Originally Posted by
I-Like-To-Bike
AMS and The Netherlands might also be disappointing for foreign tourists who are self described "serious road riders" and expect the locals to recognize their personal need for speed, no matter where they are.
It's a transportation infrastructure, not sports infrastructure. Just like the German Autobahn isn't made to have a race driver experience but to get efficiently around, and efficiency isn't a strictly individual matter. There are tensions between Dutch drivers and cyclists on one side and Dutch road riders too. The bike lane isn't optional, it's not like the Dutch government spend lots of money on bike lanes to give cyclist a choice which road surface they like best. .
There are good routes for serious road riders and they are easily and safely accessible by bike, but it still is an accidental benefit to transportation and recreation infrastructure which should be used accordingly. For really 'serious road riding' the road gets closed off, in other cases you have to respect the rules and always be prepared to slow down, ride on the designated surface or move over if the situation requires it. I think the Dutch in general are very welcoming to tourists and other foreigners and will happily do some dutchplaining, But a lot of tourists act like the destination is their playground.