I've been back in Utrecht for two weeks, it's amazing how living in probably the most densely populated area of Utrecht, I still have less traffic noise and more trees than in Ely. There's a huge ring road round the corner with massive amounts of traffic, but it isn't a danger - there are plenty of crossings and bridges and fields and country side on the other side, we are yet to explore by bike.
When we ride into town, I can ride next to my youngest, who's 6 years old and I am, in effect, able to drill him on how to ride with me, his concentration isn't great and it's reassuring not to have to shout over at him on the pavement either riding behind him or from on the road. Both boys are getting loads of fresh air and exercise just getting around, exploring their new city.
There's free secure parking all over the centre too.
In the last week or so they've been rained on more by bike than they probably ever did in Ely, as Bertha and the thunderstorms have come over Europe, the first one was a real shock - we arrived at swimming as if we'd jumped in the pool fully clothed. Toby ended up riding home while we stayed at the pool to collect dry clothes. Luckily, the pool is open into the evening, has a pool side restaurant and hanging around for several hours at a Dutch pool is normal, our pool in Ely has a coffee machine at reception.
