Why the Dutch Love Bikes
Cycling is a daily routine in the Netherlands. Over 23 million bicycles serve 17 million residents. Fietsen is the Dutch word for cycling.
- Bike ownership: 0.99 bikes per person. Most Dutch own more than one bicycle.
- Daily use: Over 50% of all trips in Dutch cities are by bike. In Amsterdam and Utrecht, this rises to 60%.
- Infrastructure: 35,000 kilometers of dedicated bike paths. 70% are separated from car traffic.
- Urban design: Dutch cities prioritize cycling. Utrecht’s central station has 12,500 bike parking spots.
- Rural areas: Small towns and villages connect by fietspaden (bike paths), often through fields and along dikes.
- History: Cycling gained popularity in the 1970s after road safety protests. Government policy shifted to favor bikes over cars.
- Distances: Average daily cycling distance is 2.6 kilometers per person.
- Cost: A basic city bike (stadsfiets) costs €300-€500.
Cycling shapes Dutch life, city planning, and even social habits.
Top Routes and Scenic Rides
The Netherlands offers over 35,000 km of dedicated cycling paths.
- LF routes (Landelijke Fietsroutes): National long-distance paths. LF7 (Oeverlandroute) runs from Alkmaar to Maastricht, 385 km. LF1 (Noordzeeroute) follows the North Sea coast, 330 km.
- Tulip fields: Cycle the Bollenstreek near Lisse in April-May. See vibrant fields between Haarlem and Leiden.
- Windmills: Kinderdijk route (approx. 40 km) passes 19 historic windmills. Zaanse Schans loop (30 km) offers open-air museums and traditional houses.
- Coastal dunes: The Zuid-Kennemerland National Park route (25 km) features dunes, forests, and sea views. Scheveningen to Katwijk (20 km) follows the coast.
- National parks: Hoge Veluwe loop (40 km) includes free white bikes and access to the Kröller-Müller Museum.
- City cycling:
- Amsterdam: Canal ring and Vondelpark. Watch for tram tracks and busy crossings.
- Utrecht: Ride the Singel canal loop. Bike parking is free at stations.
- Rotterdam: Modern architecture and Maas river bridges. Use the Maastunnel for bikes.
Tips:
- Choose LF routes for multi-day trips. Regional routes suit day rides.
- Spring (April-May) is best for tulips. Summer offers mild weather.
- Most rental bikes cost €10–€15 per day. E-bikes available for longer distances.
Renting a Bike Like a Local
Dutch bike rental shops offer several types of bikes:
- Stadsfiets (city bike): Most common. Single speed, coaster brake.
- E-bike: Electric assist. Useful for longer distances or windy days.
- Bakfiets (cargo bike): For carrying children or luggage.
- OV-fiets: Public rental bikes at NS train stations.
Where to rent:
- NS train stations: OV-fiets, €4.55 per 24 hours. Dutch OV-chipkaart required.
- Local shops: Found in every city and village. No reservation usually needed.
- Online platforms: Swapfiets, Donkey Republic. App-based, flexible pick-up and return.
Rental costs:
- City bike: €8–€15 per day. E-bike: €20–€30 per day. Bakfiets: €20–€35 per day.
- Deposit: €50–€150, passport or ID may be required.
Check before riding:
- Tire pressure, lights, brakes, and lock. Dutch bikes often have back-pedal brakes.
- Ask for two locks. Bike theft is common in Dutch cities.
Cyclists in the Netherlands must follow strict rules.
- Right of way: Cyclists have priority on most bike paths (fietspad). At intersections, yield to traffic from the right unless marked otherwise.
- Signaling: Always use hand signals when turning. Dutch law requires clear indication before changing direction.
- Bike lanes: Red asphalt paths are for bikes only. Blue circular signs with a white bike indicate mandatory bike lanes. Some lanes are shared with scooters (bromfiets), marked by pictograms.
- Lights: Front (white) and rear (red) lights are mandatory after dark. Fines for missing lights start at €60.
- Phone use: Using a handheld phone while cycling is illegal. The fine is €140 if caught.
- Bell: Every bike must have a working bell. Use it to warn pedestrians or slower cyclists when overtaking.
- Overtaking: Pass on the left. Announce yourself with your bell or a polite "Let op!" (watch out).
- Shared paths: On mixed-use paths, yield to pedestrians. Ride at moderate speed in crowded areas.
- Fines: Cycling through a red light (€110), riding without lights (€60), cycling on the sidewalk (€60).
Dutch police enforce these rules regularly, especially in cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht.
Staying Safe and Sane
Dutch weather changes quickly. Rain is common, especially from October to March. Wind is strong near the coast and in polders. Bring a rain jacket and waterproof panniers. In summer, use sunscreen. Bike theft is frequent in Dutch cities. Always lock your bike with two locks: one ring lock (ringslot) and one chain lock (kettingslot). Attach your bike to a fixed object. Avoid leaving bikes overnight at train stations. City cycling is busiest 8:00-9:00 and 17:00-18:00. Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam have crowded bike lanes during rush hour. Stay right, signal turns, and watch for trams. In case of emergency, dial 112. For non-urgent police help, call 0900-8844. Most towns have bike repair shops (fietsenmaker) open 9:00-18:00, Monday to Saturday. Lost or stolen bikes can be reported at the local police station. Cycling maps and weather updates are available on the ANWB and Buienradar apps. Most Dutch speak English and can help if you are lost.
Quick-Start Checklist for Travelers
Bring or rent a Dutch city bike (stadsfiets) or e-bike. Rental costs: €10–€20 per day. Always check tire pressure, brakes, and lights before riding. Use the Fietsersbond Routeplanner for Dutch cycling routes. Download the 9292 app for public transport-bike connections. Carry a rain jacket and a bike lock; theft is common. Cashless payments are standard in rental shops. Most bike shops (fietsenwinkel) offer repairs and local advice. Cycle maps are sold at train stations and ANWB shops. Respect local traffic signs and fietspad markings. Helmets are optional, not required. Emergency number: 112. Enjoy flat terrain, but expect wind, especially near the coast.
