General information
With more than 18 million bicycles in the Netherlands and 1,2 million new ones sold every year, this country is considered a cyclist’s heaven.
Cycling in the Netherlands is the most popular form of daily transport; using a bicycle for daily needs is fun, convenient and more importantly, (almost) for free!
General information
› Cycling for the Dutch is a way of life; it is distributed evenly across all income groups.
› Rates of cycling do not fall considerably with age.
› The Netherlands’ flat terrain is ideal for average cyclists; short-range routes do not really require a high degree of physical fitness.
› The quality of bicycle lanes (Fietspad) is very high throughout the country.
› The best season for long-distance cycling is the period from May till September.
› You can purchase a new bicycle for about 250 to 500 euros or a used one for about 50 to 150 euros.
Rights & duties
› Always use the bicycle lanes.
› Follow the same rules as motor vehicle drivers and adhere to traffic lights and signs.
› Signal by putting out your arm when you change direction.
› Always give right of way to busses, trams and taxis.
› Accidents are quite rare; most drivers are cyclists too.
› You are obliged to use safety helmets and wear special cycling outfits only in organised racing competitions.
› Towing a trailer is not forbidden.
Transportation and storage
› Bicycles can be transferred by plane as checked luggage (20 kilos allowance).
› Bikes are not allowed on Dutch busses and trams.
› If you want to take your bicycle in the train, you need to buy a special ticket before boarding. Also note that:
- There are designated places for the bicycles; usually, at the end of the train.
- It is not possible to transport bicycles during rush hours (before 9am and between 4.30pm - 6pm). This does not apply to weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and summer period (July and August).
- You do not need an extra ticket if your bicycle is packed.
› You can find bike stands to park your bicycle all over the country.
› Most (indoor) bicycle parking lots can hold thousands of bicycles.
Notes
› You are expected to keep your bicycle in good condition. However, a fancy bicycle will definitely increase the possibility of theft.
› Do not cycle in busy areas such as stations, squares etc.
› Watch out your wheels not to get stuck in tram rails.
› If your bicycle gets stolen, police will probable do nothing about it. Around 5% of all bicycles in the Netherlands are reported stolen every year!
› Petty crime in the Netherlands is based on bike theft. Ride it or lock it:
- with both an ordinary and a u-shaped lock (factory-installed lock that passes through the rear spokes).
- always to something immovable and solid (tree, fence, pole etc.).
- if possible to a bike stand or at a bicycle parking lot.
› Placing lights (both headlight and tail-light) on your bicycle is always a wise move. They are cheap, you will not have to worry about police tickets, and you lower the possibility of a car accident during night.
› Multiple riders on one bike is not an unusual phenomenon.
Photo by Flickr user Amsterdamize
