Google Maps struggles in Amsterdam because it is built for American car grids, whereas Amsterdam uses a complex, human-scaled maze of canals, pedestrian zones, and multi-tiered bike paths where cars are restricted.
Not Just Bikes explains how Dutch urban design, focused on people rather than cars, renders standard driving-centric navigation algorithms inefficient for cyclists. The analysis compares infrastructure strategies, highlighting specialized routing tools designed to prioritize safety, comfort, and directness over speed.
You’ll enjoy the biking photos in the video and the views of Amsterdam and the Dutch countryside.