Cycling in the Netherlands: what you need to know about rules and safety
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The Netherlands is truly a bicycle country. In fact, there are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands. But when cycling in the Netherlands, it is important to know the traffic rules well. In this article you will read everything you need to know about cycling in the Netherlands.
Bicycles are very popular in the Netherlands
The Dutch use bicycles not only to get from one place to another, but also for many other things, e.g. sports, shopping or visiting family and friends.
Many people cycle because it is good for their health. Some people choose cycling because it is good for the environment. It is also convenient in the city because there are often traffic jams on the road.
In addition, many people also use bicycles for work. Cycling gets you to your destination faster, e.g. food or post deliverers who bike every day while working.
Cycling is also a hobby for many Dutch people. There are safe bike paths all over the country and you can easily make long trips there.
Different types of bicycles
In the Netherlands, there are many types of bicycles. You have the regular bike, but also the electric bike, hybrid bike, fat bike, cargo bike and mountain bike. There are also men's bikes, women's bikes, folding bikes and, of course, children's bikes. A well-known bicycle is the 'granny bike' or 'grandpa bike', which is a bicycle where the bar is extra low, making it easy to get on.
You can buy your own bike, but you can also rent one. Especially at train stations this is very easy: there are often public transport bikes that you can rent for 1 or more days. This way you can travel on quickly and easily, even if you do not have your own bike.
You can cycle on the bike path
In the Netherlands, there are special bike paths. You can recognise them by a red colour or a sign with a white bicycle on it. Sometimes there are white bicycles pictured on the road. If there is a bike path, you have to cycle there. Is there no bicycle path? Then you may bike on the road, but not on the path.
There are traffic rules for cyclists in the Netherlands
There are clear traffic rules for cyclists in the Netherlands
You have to cycle on the right-hand side of the road.
Use your hands to indicate direction when you want to turn left or right.
Traffic lights also apply to cyclists. So stop at red lights and only ride when the light is green.
At a pedestrian crossing, you must give pedestrians the right of way.
Your bicycle lights must work properly, both at the front and rear.
The front light must be white or yellow and the rear light must be red.
You may not park your bike everywhere; the spots are sometimes marked.
You must not do this while cycling
If you do not obey the traffic rules, you can be fined in the Netherlands. The amounts can sometimes be quite high. You can be fined for problems with your bike or for dangerous behaviour in traffic.
Problems with your bike, such as:
Broken red reflector: €45
Broken lights: €75
Broken bicycle bell: €45
Behaviour on bicycles, such as:
Holding phone while cycling: €170
Cycling where prohibited: €45
Parking your bicycle in a prohibited spot: €40
Riding in a bus lane: €75
Not listening to the police or a traffic controller: €180
Cycling through a red light: €120
Failure to give way to a blind person with a white cane: €180
Failure to give way to a pedestrian at a pedestrian crossing: €180
Cycling on a motorway or highway: €200
Cycling in a pedestrian area: €75
No lights on: €75
Cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs: €200
Cycling safely in the Netherlands with pleasure
In the Netherlands, you can cycle everywhere and enjoy the beautiful cities and countryside. But always follow the traffic rules carefully. This is important for your own safety and the safety of others. This keeps cycling in the Netherlands fun, safe and free for everyone.