The Flower Bike Man of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is certainly a biking utopia. And the people of Amsterdam make it even more magical. Today we trace the footsteps of the Flower Bike Man and his inspiring story around the city! ?????
With almost a million bicycles outnumbering the residents, cycling in Amsterdam is not just a means of transport, it's a way of life. It has been a long journey, as it took years to make Amsterdam the bicycle-friendly city it is today. Over the years, city planners have tried so many things: narrowing roads, reducing the speed limit, and increasing the number of speed bumps. They even created car-free zones and car-free days. The Guardian wrote about it at the time, saying: "People were suddenly reminded of what life was like before the hegemony of the car."
Today, Amsterdam is a true utopia for cyclists. The city has come close to overcoming the hegemony of the car. And it gives us one of the most heartwarming stories: Warren Gregory a.k.a The Flower Bike Man.
“I sell smiles for free.”
Warren Gregory is a 53-year-old American living in Amsterdam with his wife. He is the big name behind the flower bikes you see all over Amsterdam. The first bike he made was with sunflowers and he made it for the love of his life, his wife Michelle. Michelle has struggled with epilepsy for years. It makes her life really hard, but her beloved husband is there to make it easier.
One day, Michelle has a sudden epileptic fit and loses her bicycle in the streets of Amsterdam. She can't find it, but Gregory looks everywhere and finds it. From that day on, it hits Gregory. He wants to create a bike that no one would ever lose, the one that would shine among all the others. And he makes the famous sunflower bike for Michelle.
“She (Michelle) is all that matters… The story of the Flower Bike Man is always the love of my life.”
Spread the Positivity
Then, with Gregory, the flower bikes spread everywhere. He finds all the lost bikes in the city and turns them into floral beauties. It puts a smile on people's faces. Every time you see a flower bike, it brings positivity. Some of the bikes even have names, like the one Gregory used for a perfume promotion: Miss Pinky.?
After realising the impact of the flower bikes, Gregory started using them to help the city's homeless population. He asked people to put food in the baskets and collected the meals to take to the homeless. Gregory now wants to take these bikes everywhere and travel. We hope that it will happen one day.
Gregory and Michelle first changed their own lives. Michelle is not the only one who has to deal with illness. Gregory has a lot of back pain and actually uses the bike as a cane. They say that their bikes are the reason why they can spend time together outside, pushing them while walking or shopping because Gregory can’t walk far. Michelle says, “We can’t dance together, so we can ride our bikes together.” They believe in the snowball effect since “we can compensate the negative energies every day if you just smile at someone.”
If you want to explore more about how Amsterdam became the “capital of the bikes”, we recommend you watch this YouTube video.
Where to See Flowerbikes in Amsterdam?
Well, you can’t see them everywhere now. Because of vandalism and theft, there is no certain flowerbike route. But no worries! There are still some spots for you to see:
Follow @flowerbikeman on Instagram! He continues spreading positivity all around the city.
Fall in Amsterdam! ??
Okay, hear us out! The fall in Amsterdam may be the best time in the city. Just walk or cycle with your friends. Having “me” time is a great option, too. And of course, be always sure that you have your audio travel guide, Piri Guide with you. We’ve selected great spots for you to explore in Amsterdam! ???