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Printable information sheet to attach to Oma fiets
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The Dutch ‘omafiets’
In the Netherlands, children generally learn to ride a bicycle at an early age. There are even more bicycles than residents in the Netherlands (2022: approx. 1.3 bicycles per inhabitant!). It is therefore still our main means of transport. One of the oldest and best-known models is the omafiets (grandma bike), also known as the opoefiets (granny bike).
The classic Dutch granny bicycles are still the most represented bicycle types on Dutch streets. The classic bicycle is characterized by a very recognizable design, which is characterized by an upright sitting position and a raised handlebar.
You recognize them from afar. The color is black. The dress guards and chain guard are opaque and also black. These were originally made of lacquer cloth. Nowadays, the granny bike is available in many colors and in different price ranges.
The coaster brake is special: you suddenly have to pedal backwards to brake. Because no cables are needed, the bicycle is less vulnerable and therefore requires less maintenance. Sometimes no lighting is even available, so separate lighting has to be used at night.
The granny bikes also have no gears. The tires are also much thicker and have a bulkier look than on the newer bikes. The saddle is very comfortable to sit, because huge springs are processed underneath. Every shock is absorbed flawlessly.
A characteristic detail is what they call the women's bend: the oblique tube between the pedals and handlebars turns into a bend. This is especially provided for ladies with longer skirts. This feature dates back to the 1920s.
All these characteristics make this bicycle unique, and that every copy or counterfeit is immediately obvious.
The bicycle shape of the granny bike originates from England. The Pashley bike is a good example of a clear relationship with the Dutch granny bike.
The model already started at the end of the 19th century. This model was practically not changed until the 1950s. At that time, the women's bicycles all looked the same: black, solid, simple. The bicycle was the most used vehicle of the time. Most people didn't have a car yet. So a lot of attention was paid to the sustainability of their means of transport. It was not until the 1970s that these bicycles were given the name omafiets. A lot of these vehicles from the 1950s were still driving around, but it was mainly the grandmothers who still owned them and who still toured with them. Usually this was their first bike ever received or bought.
Fun fact: even the former Queen Wilhelmina (1880-1962) cycled, and yes, on a granny bike (see photo 3).
Photo 1: old granny bike
Photo 2: modern granny bike
Photo 3: Queen Wilhelmima on the bike
