Bikes & Cycling in the Netherlands

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Bikes & Cycling in the Netherlands

The Dutch use the bicycle as a means of transportation and have a large variety of hybrid bikes. In addition to recreation and sports bikes, bicycles are used for daily shopping and the commute to work.

Special routes for cyclists

Obligatory, separate, bicycle lanes are indicated by the round blue sign with a white bicycle in the middle. In many parts of Holland, there are well indicated special routes for cyclists, which will lead them through some of the most attractive regions of Holland. 

Holland's excellent bicycle path network is clearly marked with the ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club, an automobile association) red and white signs and mushroom-shaped posts, indicating the quickest route from A to B.

To help cyclists further the ANWB has placed a large number of emergency kits throughout Holland which allow punctures and minor repairs to be undertaken.

Rules for Cyclists

Cycling paths: cyclists must use the cycling path if there is one. Cycling paths that are marked with rectangular blue signs, marked fietspad are not compulsory. Where there is no cycling path, cyclists may cycle on the road along with cars.

Bicycle lights: approved lights at the front and the back are compulsory at night and when visibility is reduced. 

• The front light must be white or yellow
• The back light must be red and attached to the bicycle at a distance of 26 to 120cm above the road surface

Cycling and alcohol: the maximum alcohol level permitted in the blood when cycling is 0,5mg, however being stopped for cycling under the influence of alcohol does not lead to the suspension of a driving licence.

Mobile phones and cycling: using a mobile telephone when cycling is authorised.

Child transport: children under the age of eight have to be transported on the back of a bicycle providing they have a safe seat with sufficient back, feet and hand support.

Electric bikes: these must have legal liability insurance. There is no age limit for these bikes and the same rules apply as for cyclists on ordinary bikes.

Bicycle Rental

Bicycles are available for rent in practically every city, town and village in Holland at bike dealers, repair shops and rental agencies. In most cities including The Hague, Maastricht and Delft, cycle hire is available at the train station.

Prices vary according to location and quality of the bicycle, as well as the demand for rentals at any particular time of the year. Many companies specialise in the rent and repair of bicycles.

There are 1,000 "white bikes" available free of charge in Holland's largest National Park, De Hoge Veluwe. They can be collected at a collection point (any of the three entrances to the park, plus the visitor's centre and the Museonder Museum); bikes are not locked and anyone can use them. When finished, return the bike to one of these locations.

Special Cycling Events

There is an annual National Cycling Day (Landelijke Fiestdag) held on the second Saturday in May. Families and more serious cyclists take to the cycle paths.

Further Information

• Dutch Cyclist's Union
• The National Cycling Association (Stichting Landelijk Fietsplatform)
  Tel: 033 465 3660
  Website
• The Dutch Cycle Tour Society (Nederlandse Toer Fiets Unie) Website (in Dutch): Click here 
• Cycling in the Netherlands website providing information and links