General information on cycling in the Netherlands

Cycling in the Netherlands is the most popular form of daily transport; using a bicycle for your daily needs is fun, convenient and more importantly, (almost) for free!

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.

Facts about cycling in the Netherlands

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.

Cyclists' 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 buses, 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 permitted.

information cycling netherlands

Bicycle transportation & storage

 Bicycles can be transferred by plane as checked luggage (20 kilos allowance).
 Bikes are not allowed on Dutch buses 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 or folded.
 You can find bike stands to park your bicycle all over the country.
 Most (indoor) bicycle parking lots can hold thousands of bicycles.

Notes on cycling in the Netherlands

 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 or squares.
 Watch out for tram rails, don't let your wheels get caught!
 If your bicycle gets stolen, police will probable do nothing about it. Around 5 per cent 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 (slot, a factory-installed lock that passes through the rear spokes).
- always attach your bike to something immovable and solid such as a tree, fence or pole.
- if possible lock your bike in 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 the night.
 Multiple riders on one bike is not an unusual phenomenon.

The Shoka smart bell is a brain for your bike

A new bike bell is taking cycling into the digital age by combining a bell, light, navigation tool and safety accessory all in one device.

The Netherlands is Europe’s leading bicycle manufacturer

The Netherlands produces and exports more bicycles than any other country in Europe. In 2015, a total of 793 million euros worth of bicycles were exported.

Five special cycle lanes in the Netherlands

The Dutch are experimenting with creative approaches to cycle lanes. Some are environmentally friendly, others just pretty. Here are our five favourites!

Great cycling routes in the Netherlands

Whether you’re in the mood for a day trip or a more long-distance excursion, these Dutch cycling routes are perfect for some healthy weekend activity!

Invader Stu: The Dutch Love Seat

Invader Stu explains the complicated and often comical yet dangerous process of riding on the back of your friend's bicycle in the Netherlands.

How not to get your bike stolen in the Netherlands

Bicycle theft is a big problem in the Netherlands, with an average of 311 bikes stolen each day. Read about easy preventative measures to protect your bike!

Stay dry cycling with this bike poncho from Amsterdam

How to stay dry while cycling to work. This bike poncho by Amsterdam-based company Vanmoof takes a novel approach!

Full bike lanes and cyclists using smartphones in Dutch cities

Cycling during rush hour in the major Dutch cities is dangerous due to many bike lanes being overfull and one in five cyclists using smartphones.

Grasp Bike Lock: say goodbye to keys

Grasp is designing the bike lock of the 21st century by incorporating a fingerprint sensor and a smartphone app.

See.Sense ICON: Intelligent bike lights with innovative features

Using integrated sensors, the light can sense a cyclist's movement, recognising when the lights should be brighter or blink faster e.g. around a roundabout.

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