Bicycles are gradually becoming an important means of transportation for Europeans.

　　According to the UK's Daily Telegraph, Italy's bicycle sales surpassed car sales for the first time since World War II. This is a significant change for car-crazy Italy, which sold 1.75 million bicycles in 2011, compared to 1.748 million cars. So, what is the bicycle situation like in other European countries?

　　France: The "Green Transportation Plan" is underway.

　　The French capital, Paris, has launched a large-scale "two-wheeled revolution" in its urban transportation system. Currently, tens of thousands of bicycles have been deployed in Paris for residents and tourists to rent, encouraging cycling.

　　On July 15 this year, Paris's self-service bicycle service officially launched, called Vélib'. It's a combination of the French words for "bicycle" and "freedom," meaning "free ride." Ten thousand brand-new silver-gray bicycles and 750 rental service points have been put into use, with rentals exceeding 50,000 on the first day. The plan is to soon increase the number of bicycles to 20,000 and the number of service points to 1,500, so that citizens can find at least one service point within a 300-meter radius.

　　The rental fee for bicycles is very low, but the pricing encourages rapid cycling within the effective time. The first half hour is completely free, the second half hour costs 1 euro, the third half hour costs 2 euros, and the fourth half hour costs 4 euros. In fact, according to calculations, Parisians who frequently cycle now ride for no more than half an hour each time. Coupled with the rental points spread throughout the city, they can reach the next rental point within half an hour, switch to another bicycle, and still enjoy the free use of the first half hour. So this service essentially provides citizens with a "free buffet."

　　Netherlands: A cyclist's paradise.

　　Besides its world-famous canals and red-light district, the Dutch capital Amsterdam has a unique urban landscape: cyclists everywhere.

　　The Netherlands can be called a bicycle kingdom, where there are more bicycles than people. 16 million Dutch people own 18 million bicycles. Regardless of age, gender, or social status, you can see people cycling, even members of the royal family.

　　The tradition of cycling in the Netherlands has a long history. Twenty or thirty years ago, bicycles were popular as an alternative to cars because many people found cars too expensive, and in a country where the terrain is below sea level and environmental issues are particularly important, using cars seemed wasteful. Therefore, the Dutch government strongly advocated bicycles as a means of transportation.

　　After years of unremitting efforts, the Netherlands now has world-class bicycle transportation infrastructure. 15,000 kilometers of bicycle paths are not only spread throughout cities and towns but also connect many tourist attractions. Cycling on the Dutch countryside bicycle paths, with beautiful scenery and fresh air along the way, is a special enjoyment. Many Dutch people like to go on family cycling holidays, even long-distance tours. On Dutch highways, you often see cars with several bicycles tied to the back or roof with ropes. Drivers stop their cars at each location, cycle around the surrounding area, and then drive to the next destination.

　　The Dutch government attaches great importance to keeping bicycle paths unobstructed. In urban planning, road facilities cannot interrupt major bicycle paths, and urban construction cannot cause inconvenience to bicycle traffic. Bicycle paths are easily identifiable, with large white bicycle patterns on the ground, and white-on-red directional signs beside the paths. If it is a dedicated lane completely separated from the motor vehicle lane, there will be a circular sign with a blue background and a white bicycle on the roadside. Beside the bicycle paths in the countryside, you can often see the unique mushroom-shaped bicycle road signposts of the Netherlands, indicating the current location, the direction of nearby towns, and the distance.

　　In addition to bicycle paths, the government also focuses on providing various services that cyclists may need. There are usually bicycle parking areas outside large public places, shopping malls, and scenic spots, making it very convenient to park bicycles. Conversely, parking spaces for motor vehicles in Dutch cities are not only scarce but also very expensive. Bicycle rental shops are everywhere in the Netherlands; you can rent a bicycle by showing your ID and paying a deposit. Some also rent children's bicycles and child seats and provide simple repair tools.

　　Germany: Cycling for leisure is the most popular.

　　Over the past 10 years, Germany has sold an average of 1 million bicycles annually, with about 70 million bicycles and 4,000 bicycle shops nationwide. More than 50% of German residents say that cycling is one of their favorite leisure activities. ADFC is the largest cycling club in Germany, with 110,000 members. Whether it's leisurely cycling, fast cycling, cycling to the suburbs, or even further afield, it's very popular among German residents, and cycling is also a major leisure activity for Germans.

　　German residents believe that cycling to other countries allows them to learn more about the local customs and traditions, which is completely different from taking public transportation or driving. Cycling allows you to see more and learn more, making it a very enjoyable experience.