Amsterdam scheme lets visitors hitchhike on the back of locals’ bicycles

Yellow Backie is an Amsterdam initiative which encourages visitors to get a free ride on the luggage rack of a local's bicycle.

The only mode of transport more eco-friendly than riding a bike is riding someone else’s bike. Yellow Backie is an Amsterdam-based initiative that encourages visitors to adopt the Dutch custom of Backie — getting a ride on a fellow cyclists’ luggage rack.

To take part, visitors must keep their eyes out for Backie drivers, who traverse the city on bicycles adorned with bright yellow luggage racks. When they spot one they simply shout ‘Backie!’ to hail a ride and jump on the back. Amsterdammers can become a Backie driver for free by applying online to the Yellow Bike store — the company behind the initiative. Once accepted, drivers receive a free yellow luggage rack, which they can have fitted at the Yellow Bike store.

The scheme enables visitors to receive a free tour of the city from a local and helps Amsterdammers connect with people from around the world. Could this initiative work in other bike-friendly cities?