Bikes in Amsterdam
Learn all about using Amsterdam bikes
Bikes in Amsterdam are more ubiquitous than residents. There are hundreds of thousands of bicycles in Amsterdam, as simply put, it is the best way to get around the city.
The city of Amsterdam is world-renowned as being one of the bike capitals of the world. Residents will invariably use a bike to get to work or to meet up and the rise of electric bikes or E-bikes allows the older population to still use two wheels to get around Amsterdam.
Quick link to diverse range of bike tours available in Amsterdam
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Bikes in Amsterdam for the tourist
When arriving in Amsterdam you might be taken aback by the flow of bikes along the cycle paths. If you are out in rush hour, you will see the throng of Amsterdam bicycles everywhere, almost like a flock of starlings twisting and turning this way and that in unison.
The streets in Amsterdam are narrow and winding so cars are not the best vehicle choice. This makes bikes in Amsterdam even more popular and that’s before you factor in the environmental benefits.
It is hard not to want to join in when you arrive in Amsterdam and you can easily rent a bike or you may like to discover Amsterdam on a guided bike tour. This is a great way to get used to cycling in Amsterdam and learning the rules of the road. Afterwards, you can hire your own bike and discover Amsterdam on your own.
If you would rather use public transport to get around Amsterdam then you can learn about all the public transport ticket options in Amsterdam with our specialist page.
Hiring a bike in Amsterdam can cost between €10 and €15 per day
Amsterdam and cycling
When you first arrive or leave your hotel for the first time, it will most likely be on foot. When it comes to cycling in Amsterdam, be aware that the cyclists are not slowly making their way through the pretty city, enjoying the surroundings, like you are. The vast majority will be on a mission to get somewhere quickly. If you are a pedestrian, then you really must keep both eyes peeled for cyclists in Amsterdam, as they are everywhere.
If you are on foot and crossing on a designated crossing, the bikes have to stop, but as with everything that is not always the case, so don’t trust anyone but yourself when crossing a road, be sure to check everywhere.
Bikes are silent apart from their bells which you will hear a lot on your travels. You’ll also hear the shouts from the cyclist themselves, warning you to move out the way.
Safe cycling in Amsterdam
Once you can resist no more and have hired your bikes in Amsterdam, there are a few simple rules to follow to make sure you have a lovely experience of cycling in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam bike lanes
Bike lanes are clearly marked and have a bicycle stencilled on the road at regular intervals. To make sure you are going in the right direction on a lane, the bicycle will be facing you. If it is upside down you are on the wrong side. Make sure you stay in the lane. This is on the right side of the road and clearly marked by symbols.
Rules of the road
Follow the rules of the road. Don’t just cycle off anywhere assuming that as Amsterdam is a cycling city, the bikes can go anywhere. They cannot. Stop at lights, signs and crossings, do not cycle of the footpaths, along tram routes or on shopping streets.
Indication
Indicate where you want to go by using your arms and putting your hand out in the direction you are intending to go.
Stopping suddenly
Try not to stop suddenly unless absolutely necessary. Bikes do not have brake lights and there will be a lot of bikes in the bike lanes behind you who will have no idea your about to suddenly stop to take a picture of the lovely canal boat you’ve just seen. Your bikes may end up getting up close and personal very quickly this way.
Front and rear lights
You must have a front and backlight to ride at night. If you hire a bike, this will already be taken care of but if you are buying one or borrowing one from your Airbnb host for example, then check it has lights if you are going to be out in the evening.
Tram rails
Tram rails eat bicycle tires. They are handily designed to be a perfect width to catch their unsuspecting prey. So, if you are crossing tram lines, do so at a sharp angle and not along a similar line. Otherwise, your tire will be grabbed and you will probably have an unwelcome introduction to the Amsterdam tarmac. Worse still you could be trying to extricate your bike tyre whilst a tram looms up towards you.
Be aware of your surroundings
Although bikes in Amsterdam are prevalent, they are not the only modes of transport using the roads. Cars are rarer in the city streets as they are narrow and not really designed for a motorist. But, you will still see taxis, delivery vans, buses, trams and as electric scooters are getting more common, they will use the bike lanes too. It is safe to cycle but make sure you are aware of what is around you at all times.
Safety gear or lack of it
In Amsterdam, you won’t see many of the cyclists wearing helmets. This is due mainly to the belief that cars cause most of the serious injuries to cyclists and as Amsterdam is not full of cars, it is far less dangerous for a cyclist. This does rather discount how hard the ground is should you fall off or get knocked off your bike, so using a helmet in the city is a sensible choice for a visitor, but is a choice, not a requirement.
Using a cycle path
Once you are on a cycle path you’ll find that cyclists only cycle two abreast. Any more than this and it blocks the lane and can cause a traffic jam of cyclists. A family of four cycling chatting away in a line would be frowned upon by the locals.
Don’t use your phone whilst riding
Never answer your phone whilst cycling, pullover first.
Keep your speed up
Ideally, you will keep to the same pace as the cyclists around you, this is not always possible, but it does make things easier if you are at least up to a similar pace and not constantly being overtaken as you are riding too slowly.
Bike parking in Amsterdam
When you arrive at your destination be sure to use one of the official bike parking options. There are bike parking sections, racks and even indoor parking facilities. If you do not park your bike in the right area you run the risk of it being picked up (think towed) and stored in the bicycle depot.
Always lock your bike to something immovable with a good quality padlock.
Bike rush hour in Amsterdam
Rush hour is something best not experienced for the first time bike rider in Amsterdam. From 8-9am and 5-6pm on weekdays there will be thousands of cycling commuters rushing everywhere. Have a coffee and wait it out and enjoy Amsterdam by bike when the streets are quieter.
Follow the rules not the locals
You may see the locals breaking the rules all the time when it comes to cycling. But, as you now know the rules they are breaking you can try and avoid any issues.
Guided bike tours in Amsterdam
Go on a bike tour in Amsterdam and relax knowing you have a personable guide looking after your group, knowing the route and making sure you experience all that is good about cycling in Amsterdam.
Here are a few of the most popular bike tours in Amsterdam:
Hiring a bike in Amsterdam
There are so many places where you can hire a bike in Amsterdam. It is such a lovely way to explore the beautiful city, so the bike providers will make sure that your experience is as good as it can be.
You’ll be measured up for the correct type of bike, given padlocks and asked for deposit and insurance for theft. The theft insurance is worth getting as bikes are a target for thieves in Amsterdam. You can hire by the hour or day and cheaper rates are offered if you want to keep your bike for longer.
