Amsterdam's cyclist community has a lot to celebrate with the much awaited reopening of the Rijksmuseum, a fascinating piece of architecture complete with a bikepath cutting straight through its heart. To celebrate the event, thousands of eager bicyclists took to the newly reopened path and carried on the tradition started in 1885.

Guards removed the final barriers blocking the way, and a cheer went up from the crowd. Moments later, a small army mounted on bicycles of all shapes and sizes eagerly stormed the path that leads straight through the heart of the Netherlands’ newly renovated national museum.

Their bells were ringing all the way.

It has taken Amsterdam’s pro-bike lobby years of fighting to overcome architects, museum directors and a local government that sought to have the path closed forever. And there is still some doubt as to whether the path may not be closed at times to prevent unsuspecting tourists and pedestrians from being struck by bikes.

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