The Ultimate Guide for Biking in Amsterdam

Cycling here can be intimidating if you’re not from the Netherlands. Here are some tips to hopefully make it less daunting! 

How to bike

Here are some rules and norms that are not obvious, but important! For one, traffic rules apply to cyclists. For example, oncoming drivers and cyclists coming from a road on the right must be given priority. Similarly, if you see multiple inverted triangles on a horizontal line, you must yield. Additionally, make sure that you stay on the right side of the road and the bike lane. Bonus tips: signal when turning (by pointing your arm in that direction) and BEWARE of tram tracks, make sure that your tyres don’t align with them!

What kind of bike and where to buy

I recommend buying second-hand bikes; they are cheaper while still generally being good quality. A bonus is that used bikes are less likely to be stolen (unfortunately a common phenomenon). Try buying from reputable stores as even accidentally buying a stolen bike can lead to legal issues. You can check for bike shops using apps like Google Maps and check for their reviews as well.

As for the type of bike, I recommend getting an "omafiet", literally meaning grandma bike; they have a step-through frame, upright riding position and curved handlebars. They are super comfortable to ride and perfect for everyday commuting. Beneficial add-ons include a bike stand (makes parking 100% easier), a back wheel lock and a back rack (to put a pannier or to transport your friend on top). In my opinion, I wouldn’t recommend putting a basket in front of your bike because that makes parking more difficult in busy areas (which Amsterdam is full of). Bonus tip: if your bike has a generic colour, try adding something (e.g. a sticker) to the back area so that it’s easier to find it in the sea of 1000 parked bikes.

Theft

(Not so) fun fact: I did experience bike theft myself … even though I locked it. I had only locked the frame of the bike and not the back wheel which is easy for thieves to remove and resell. Please learn from my mistake and make sure to properly secure your bike with these steps:

1. Get a good lock (I recommend a chain lock as they are harder to break)

2. Lock the frame of your bike ALONGSIDE with the front wheel to a fixed surface (so that no one can just pick up your bike and leave)

3. Lock your back wheel with a U-lock if your bike does not already have a back wheel lock.

An omafiet correctly chained to a bridge

Conclusion

I hope that with these tips, you feel less intimidated and more excited about riding a bike in Amsterdam. It is definitely worth it, as the Netherlands is the best country to bike in! Ride safe, and have fun :)