The Dutch cycled more than 14 billion kilometres in 2005 – an average of 2.5 kilometres per person per day and 10% more than in 2002, says national statistics office CBS.

Men cycle more than women and the 12 to 18 year age group cycles most, with a daily average of six kilometres. Turnover in bike shops rose by 15% compared with 2005 and production rose to 967,000 bikes.