Sarah, all Dutch drivers are or at least were cyclists from about the same time they learnt to walk. They start on tricycles, and move on to tiny bikes. I am going to go waaaaay of topic and googled some pictures to show you the normal collection an average kid will own:
1 a tricycle, with a pushing device for when the child is done cycling but the family isn't home yet
2 the last 8 years these walking cycles have become very popular. Even better than the scooter (7 & 8) for learning to keep your balance.
3 toddler bicycle (this is a fun picture of a program for 4-5 year olds in school, not very common as far as I know). About every 3-4 years you get a new (or 2nd hand) larger bicycle untill you are fully grown.
4 learning to cycle without those 2 extra wheels you saw in picture 3
5 'traffic test'. In the last clas of primary school children have a test, they cycle a specific route through their home town and are observed. Prior to the test their cycles are examined and if there are faults (like faulty breaks or not working lights) they have a week tot fix it before the test. Most children go to secondary school on their bicycle, that is the reason for this test
6&7: old fashoned and modern scooter

Love the pictures, Heleen! How great is it that kids take a cycling test in school!

The Netherlands seems so sensible. Another sensible thing is that the drinking age is 16, and the driving age is 18! I thought this might encourage young people to learn about drinking in a family environment (instead of a college dorm), and also 2 years before they drive! If they drive.....I understand it's an ordeal to get a driving license and gas at $8/gallon in Europe is also a disincentive!

I can't believe the woman in photo #7 has 3 children on her bike with her! She must be strong and well-coordinated!

Sigh, Heleen...that's how my kids are growing up, too. I just wish it was that way with *all* Americans. In the meantime, you'll never catch me or my kids without our helmets...maybe I need to do a sabbatical in the Netherlands! Wouldn't that be fun?!

Sarah and Heleen, my kids are also growing up on bikes. My son is 18 and doesn't even want a driver's license. My daughter is 15 and loves the freedom bike riding can give her. They are confident in traffic and stop appropriately, signal, watch for turning cars, etc. We cycle as a family to restaurants and a lot of events. We also wear helmets, although my son is rebellious and often leaves his off!

The first thing I did when I came home was start to look at sabbatical opportunities in the Netherlands! I would love to live there for 6 months to a year!

Heleene--I have if not the exact same bike (trike with handle), something like it in my back yard as we speak----I'll have to show the kids more pics of Amsterdam to get them to use them more often LoL!

Isis, check out http://www.academictransfer.nl. As the Dutch say, Success :)!