Biking in Amsterdam is the
quintessentially Dutch experience.
For many tourists cycling in Amsterdam is a must and they do not give much thought to it and just rent a bicycle.
Now mounted on two wheels with the realization that the last time they rode a bicycle they were in a seventh grade.
Fear and intimidation fills their head but with little preparation
Biking in Amsterdam can be fun and exhilarating.
Before you hop on the two wheels check out these tips, but first
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There are more bicycles than people in Amsterdam
Cycling for the majority is the primary way free getting around and because of this the Dutch takes cycling seriously.
There's little patience for people who muck up the system
before you rent that bike learn the rules of the road and once you've rented get to know your bike and
Practice riding it where you will not disturb others.
1) know where to ride
Amsterdam has over
249 miles of bike lanes and paths
They usually run along the right side of the streets. Some 2-way lanes are on one side only
Bike lanes feature white lines and bike symbols painted in the road or on the reddish colored path in
Holland traffic uses the right side of the road and this includes bikes
Many streets and historic centre and along canals do not have Pike lanes at all just ride with traffic
And stay to the right to let vehicles pass large cars and trucks will usually follow right behind you
2) most bicycles in Amsterdam feature back pedal brakes instead of brake levers mounted on the handlebars
You're not used to it. Be sure to practice first to get the hang of it
Number three pay attention to signs
Amsterdam has many signs and signals designed especially for cyclists
some important ones is with
Bike traffic lights these lights shine red yellow and green in the shape of a bicycle at most major intersections
Obey them trams and other traffic have their own lights that don't always correspond
Use the traffic light meant for cars when a bike light does not exist
Designated bike paths and route. This is a round sign with a blue background with a white bicycle indicates a bike lane or route
When you see this sign put the picture of the bike under a stop sign with the word uitgezondered
or that means you can go down that road if you're on a bike other signs to watch out for
Cyclists are allowed to ignore the traffic lights and turn right
Simultaneous green light for cyclists from all directions
No access for bicycles mopeds and other slow vehicles
Cyclists and moped riders must cross to the other side of the road
This road sign indicates that a road is intended for bikes but cars may use it as a guest
And finally this road sign is used in place where cyclists can choose whether or not they want to use a cycle path
4) useful words cycling
fiets
rechts
Links
rechtdoor
uitgezonderde fietsers stoppen sorry
Number 5 give way see those white triangles painted on the ground
The person who has a tip of the triangle pointing towards them has to stop.
If the triangle is not pointing at you still use caution as many ignores these signs as merely decorations on the street
6) right-of-way
Also give right away to traffic approaching from the right if no other rules apply
Thus traffic approaching from left should give you the right away
Taxis and buses often push a limit on the rules. So be careful
Number seven, you must have a white light on the front and a red light on a rear of your bicycle after dark
Number eight do not ride your bicycle on sidewalks or in walking areas
These are denoted with the blue side showing a tall and short person walking hand-in-hand in white
Number nine don't get stuck in a rut steer clear of tram tracks
They're just the right size to swallow bike tires
If you must cross the tracks and you will at some point do it at a sharp angle number 10 lock it up
Never leave a bike unlocked not even for a minute bike theft in Amsterdam is a problem
But it can be avoided
Lock your bike to the permanent structure like a bike rack pull or bridge with a heavy chain or a u lock
Always put the lock through the frame and then front wheel also lock the brilliant little device that mobilizes the back wheel
most rental shops provide both
Look for signs that say Heir Geen Fietsen Plaatsen
Do not place bicycles here if you ignore them your bike could be confiscated
Bonus tips
aka common sense
Use common sense when riding use both hands right defensively and look out for tourists walking in front of you
If you see a whole lot of bicycles painted the same color, that means they're tourists and probably have no idea what they're doing
Enjoy your time in Amsterdam
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til next time happy and safe travels