
Bike parked at the Oude Gracht, the main canal in Utrecht. Picture from own collection
In Holland there is a flourishing circulation system in bikes. One gets stolen; another is bought for a few euros from a shabby looking guy.
You can try to avoid this system and bolt your bike with at least two locks. But when you take the risk, it's likely you're pulled into this system sooner then you want to. On forehand you already think: “I should lock this bike better, but I’ll take the risk.” A few hours later you find yourself cursing and blaming for not listening to that tiny voice in the back of your head. The bike is gone without a trace and no one has seen a thing.
For a few days or maybe even weeks you keep an eye on every bike there is. But it’s not worth it. There are so many bikes scattered around the city that it’s a waste of time and energy. That bike is gone. Reporting the theft is no use because often it’s a bicycle alike so many. And honestly: it was one bought cheap, found somewhere, never returned or patched up so not really worth the effort anyway.
Now it’s time for a good one, to make a fresh start. One with lights that work, with decent breaks and a saddle that’s comfortable; but second hand since life is expensive enough already. After some nose about you’ve found a nice bike for a reasonable price. “Can I come back tomorrow to pick it up?” You ask the shopkeeper. "No problem," he replies.
With money in the pocket you walk up to the shop, excited to buy a new vehicle that gets you on the roll again since bikes are indispensable here. Only two metres before the entrance of the shop a chap comes up to you. “Do you want to buy a bicycle? Ten euros!” One second you hesitate. It's tempting since this is probably what happened to your previous bike and way less money than you're going to buy. But also knowing how someone else is feeling soon. With a last glance at the stolen bike you step into the shop, saying no to the crook and knowing that this is the Dutch bike circulation system.