Quiet residential neighbourhood? No, not at all! It is an avenue in the Strijp-S suburb. Still, no cars seem to congest its peaceful streets, used first and foremost by cyclists. Bikes are the Dutch, ecological means of transport.

Strijp-S used to be the sprawling industrial centre of Philips in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Then Strijp-S has been redeveloped as a thriving complex with shops, cafés, restaurants, a concert hall and the world’s biggest skateboard park. The tower of St. Trudo church is seen in the background, under skies scattered with clouds.

Strijp-S is a suburban heaven so peaceful that it can serve as a model for the “Peace On Earth” saying, fitting for Boxing Day.