Bikes & Cycling in Amsterdam & the Netherlands

Everything you need to know about cycling in the Netherlands, rules and regulations for cyclists, information about bicycle rental and links to Dutch cycling associations.

Cycling in Holland is very popular, with more bikes than inhabitants. In addition to recreational cycling, the Dutch use bicycles as a means of transportation for commuting to and from work as well as for daily errands.

Bicycles are allowed on trains in Holland except at peak travel times, though a separate pass (Dagkaart Fiets) must be purchased for the bike. Standard folding bicycles that meet size restrictions are exempt from requiring a separate ticket. Bicycles are not allowed on board public buses, but are allowed on ferries.

Cycling Around Amsterdam

Holland's excellent bicycle path network is clearly marked with the ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club, an automobile association) red and white signs and mushroom-shaped posts, indicating the quickest route from A to B.

For information on cycle routes in Amsterdam and the surrounding areas: Click here

The Dutch National Cycling Association (Stichting Landelijk Fietsplatform) created and manages a network of over 4,500 Km of cycle routes in the Netherlands. All LF routes are signposted in both directions. Route guides for the LF routes are available for a fee and divided into four categories including those for holiday tours, area guides, weekend rides and day tours. The guides are available only in Dutch, though they do contain detailed maps.

The Dutch National Cycling Association
At: Berkenweg 30, 3818 LB Amersfoort
Tel: 033 465 3656
e-mail
Website (in Dutch, English and German)
For information on the cycling routes available from the Dutch National Cycling Platform: Click here

Rules for Cyclists

Cycling paths: cyclists must use the cycling path if there is one. Cycling paths that are marked with rectangular blue signs, marked fietspad are not compulsory. Where there is no cycling path, cyclists may cycle on the road along with cars.

To assist cyclists the ANWB has placed a large number of emergency repair kits throughout Holland which allow punctures and minor repairs to be undertaken by riders. It is however, still recommended to carry a patch kit and necessary tools when riding.

Bicycle lights: approved lights at the front and the back are compulsory at night and when visibility is reduced.

The front light must be white or yellow
The back light must be red and attached to the bicycle at a distance of 26 to 120cm above the road surface

Alcohol: the maximum blood alcohol level permitted when cycling is 0.5mg, however being stopped for cycling under the influence of alcohol does not lead to the suspension of a driving licence.

Mobile phones: using a mobile telephone when cycling is authorised.

Child transport: children under the age of eight have to be transported on the back of a bicycle providing they have a safe seat with sufficient back, feet and hand support.

Electric bikes: these must have legal liability insurance. There is no age limit for these bikes and the same rules apply as for cyclists on ordinary bikes.

Bicycle Rental

Bicycles are available for rent in practically every city, town and village in Holland at bike dealers, repair shops and rental agencies. In most cities including Amsterdam, cycle hire is available at the train station.

For more information on bicycle hire in Amsterdam: Click here

Prices vary according to location and quality of the bicycle, as well as the demand for rentals at any particular time of the year. Many companies specialise in the rental and repair of bicycles.

There are nearly 2,000 "white bikes" available free of charge in Holland's largest national park, De Hoge Veluwe. They can be collected at a collection point (any of the three entrances to the park, plus the visitor's centre and the Museonder Museum); bikes are not locked and anyone can use them. When finished, return the bike to one of these locations.

For information on cycling at De Hoge Veluwe, see the park's website: Click here (in Dutch)

Anti-theft Prevention

Bicycle theft is a problem in Amsterdam.

There are supervised lock-up facilities around the city to protect bicycles. Many of these also sell and repair bikes and have chargers for electric bicycles and scooters.

To find locker facilities: Click here (in Dutch)

Cyclists are encouraged to register for free or engrave their bikes to help identify them.

If a registered bike goes missing, the owner should call AFAC (Amsterdamse Fiets Afhandel Centrale) for assistance locating it. To report a stolen bike, contact the police. To reclaim a bike, the owner will require proof of identification.

AFAC
Tel: 020 334 4522
Website (in Dutch)
Police
Tel: 0900 8844
Website

Special Cycling Events

Coinciding with National Windmill Day is the annual National Cycling Day (Landelijke Fietsdag) held on the second Saturday in May. Hundreds of thousands of participants take to the cycle paths, including families and more serious cyclists.

The RAI Derny Race is held annually at the RAI complex in Amsterdam-Zuid. The event usually takes place mid-March.

A bicycle fair promoting the latest developments in cycling technology and accessories takes place biennially at RAI Amsterdam.

RAI Amsterdam
At: Europaplein, 1078 GZ Amsterdam
Tel: 020 549 1212
Website (in Dutch)

Amsterdam’s velodrome hosts a variety of cycling and non-cycling events through the year.

Velodrome Amsterdam
At: Sloterweg 1045, 1066 CD Amsterdam
Tel: 020 408 2133
e-mail
Website (in Dutch)

Cycling Organisations

The Dutch Cyclist's Union (Fietsersbond) campaigns for improved cycling conditions in the Netherlands, including well-maintained routes and better security measures.

For the Dutch Cyclist's Union website: Click here

Further Information

For information on cycling in Holland from the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC): Click here
The Cycling in the Netherlands website provides general information and links to cycling resources in the Netherlands: Click here