Bikes, Bikes and MORE Bikes

I had few expectations coming to Groningen but now that I have begun to settle into the way of life here, I already love it.  Up until last night I was staying in a hostel in the city center.  I was a good way to get familiar to the space.  In the center all of the shopping, eating and bars are located. The unique thing about this city compare to the ones at home, everyone is biking and walking as the means of transporation.  It is actually quite difficult/you just can't drive in the central part of the city, if you want to drive you need to stay on the outer edge.  So that's where all the bikes come in, since the city is so compact the main way of getting around for everyone is usually by bike. Instead of having areas to park cars there are bike racks all over the place, there is even a parking garage for bikes at the central station, all very different from the grand issue of parking in the states. I was able to attain my bike from my host family yesterday but it needs to be fixed so I will take it to the bike repair shop this week. I am a little hesitant to go biking here since i'm not used to the rules, the street signs are in Dutch and it seems rather chaotic. At least on the bright side of things if I get in a bike accident it should be less detrimental than if I were in a car accident, unless I get hit by a car then i'm toast.