7 reasons why the Netherlands stands out as a 'peculiar planet' on Earth

Animal crossings, street-side electric car charging, zero stray animals... make the Netherlands a unique place on Earth.

7 reasons why the Netherlands stands out as a 'peculiar planet' on Earth

No stray animals

The Dutch government recently confirmed that there are no wandering cats or dogs in the country. Animals are either kept in households or rescue centers. Stringent regulations are also in place to ensure animals are not subjected to abuse or neglect.

Solar-powered bike lanes

Dutch citizens have a habit of cycling every day. However, recently, this mode of transportation has been elevated to a new level as the government operates the SolaRoad project - a 100-meter-long road dedicated to solar-powered bicycles. This road was first tested in 2015, harnessing sunlight to directly charge the bikes and illuminate the streets.

Street-side electric car charging

Not only do Dutch people use solar-powered bicycles to protect the environment, but they also actively use electric cars to minimize emissions. The government has set up a system for charging electric cars right on the street, with a charging post every 50 meters. This is an environmentally friendly solution compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

Car-free town

The town of Houten in the Netherlands is considered the safest traffic area in the world because there are no cars. In the early 2018s, 4,000 residents of this town decided to stop using four-wheel vehicles and switched to bicycles. Gradually, this has become a familiar habit of the town.

Proposal to ban petrol and diesel sales for cars

The Dutch government is very proactive and enthusiastic about issuing regulations to protect the environment. Accordingly, petrol, diesel, and vehicles using these fuels will be banned from sale in 2025. In addition, alternative vehicles such as electric or solar-powered cars will be tax-exempt. Therefore, environmentally friendly cars could be cheaper by 15,000 euros each.

Prisons closed due to 'loneliness'

Previously, the Dutch government took significant steps to reduce the number of criminals in the country, and the results were commendable. Due to the lack of prisoners, 19 prisons across the country had to close in 2009. According to a recent report, the average crime rate in the Netherlands is 163/100,000 people, which is half of Brazil's and very low globally.

Animal overpasses

One of the government's crucial policies in the Netherlands is to protect wild animals. Therefore, several overpasses have been built across highways specifically for wildlife, especially those crossing national forest roads. It helps reduce unfortunate accidents involving animals crossing the road. This path is covered with greenery and resembles a normal forest, ensuring the safety of animals without compromising the overall landscape.

According to The Star

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide