Know Before You Go: Cycling in Amsterdam

While Amsterdam does, of course, have cars, it isn’t a city that was built with cars in mind. Founded in 1275, the city is known for its compact layout, narrow one-way streets, limited parking, and, of course, its canals. While this doesn’t work out in favor of four-wheeled vehicles, it is prime terrain for cycling: It’s mostly flat, has designated cycle paths, and boasts plenty of bicycle parking facilities. No wonder so many residents rely on the city’s famous cargo bikes (bakfiets), which are used to transport everything from children to groceries and furniture.

Even though every Amsterdammer and their grandparents seem to zip around the city on two wheels, cycling in Amsterdam isn’t always for the faint of heart. Sure, it’s a great option to experience the city like a local, but it’s also the best way to experience the wrath of a local, too—well, that, and standing or walking in a cycle path.

It may seem as simple as, well, just getting on a bike, but there are actually a surprising number of Amsterdam bike rules to consider. If it’s your first time biking in Amsterdam, you may want to join a guided tour or ask at a bicycle rental shop for Amsterdam cycling tips.

On a good day, cycling around the Amsterdam Canal Ring with the breeze in your hair—most locals don’t wear helmets—can feel pretty close to paradise. But, as with all things, there are rules and consequences, too. Amsterdam may be a liberal city in many ways, but not when it comes to the rules of the road, which prohibit cycling under the influence, using your phone while cycling, or cutting someone off in the cycle lane.

Bicycle thefts are also notoriously common—and thousands of bikes end up in the canals each year—so if you’re renting a bicycle, you’ll want to be careful about where and how you lock it up. Oh, and some bicycles also only have back-pedal brakes, rather than hand brakes, which can be a steep learning curve if you're not used to them. It sounds like a lot to take in, but if you book a bike rental, you’ll have a chance to ask any questions before you set off.

There are two camps when it comes to cycling in Amsterdam: the “tentative training wheels” and the “riding off into the sunset” set. Depending on which you fall into, you’ll likely know whether you want to opt for bike rental in Amsterdam or join a guided city tour.

If you’re even a little bit apprehensive, joining a tour is a great idea—even if it’s just to get some Amsterdam bike safety tips from a friendly guide. Just like tours, where you can opt for private and small group tours on everything from e-bikes to flower bikes, there are plenty of options when it comes to renting, too.

While most visitors stick to cycling in the center, they’re missing a trick by not heading further afield, as there is a massive network of cycle paths connecting Amsterdam to the rest of the country. E-bikes have also upped the game for cycling experiences in the Netherlands, making it quicker and easier than ever to travel out of the city center—you can even book bike tours into the Dutch countryside to spot windmills and weave through farmlands.

Whether you opt for an e-bike or a classic bike, one of the best things about riding in Amsterdam is that you can cover more ground than on foot and take in more sights, too. Some of the best bike routes in Amsterdam pass by sites such as the Anne Frank House to Vondelpark, the Skinny Bridge, and even ARTIS Zoo, or join an excursion out to Zaanse Schans to see its famous windmills.

While the weather in Amsterdam can be notoriously unpredictable, the city sparkles when the sun is out, and it’s prime time to explore on two wheels. Of course, you can ride all year round—as most locals do—but it’s not quite as much fun cycling in the rain or the snow.

Inexperienced cyclists may also want to stick to riding during the day, as the streets can be trickier to navigate at night. If you do head out after dark, make sure you have lights—it’s illegal to ride after dark without both front and back lights on your bicycle.

Despite being such a bike-friendly city, you won’t see much traditional cycling wear in Amsterdam—there’s little Lycra on show. With more than half of Amsterdammers commuting to work or riding to the shops, the pub, or to meet their friends, bikes are just a part of life here, and most residents don’t wear specific cycling clothes. It’s best to wear whatever you’re most comfortable in and avoid anything flowing or baggy that could get stuck in your bike chain. You’ll also spot surprisingly few helmets; those you do see are more likely to be on tourists than locals. It is also not a legal requirement to wear helmets when cycling in Amsterdam; however, accidents can and do still happen, so wearing a helmet is advisable—along with having travel insurance that covers you for any activities.

Cycling in Amsterdam is surprisingly accessible for travelers with disabilities, and electric bicycles have been a game-changer in making cycling more accessible. There are other adaptable bicycle options available, too: trikes, handbikes, wheelchair handbikes, tandems, duo bikes, and wheelchair transport bikes.

However, while most bike rental shops have tandem bicycles and e-bikes for hire, you may want to reach out to shops like StarBikes Rental to see what’s available if you require something more specialist. If you’d prefer to join a tour, you can also contact tour companies and see what they can offer.

• What are the road rules when cycling in Amsterdam? Amsterdam road rules for cyclists include not riding your bike if drunk or high, obeying all traffic rules, using signals (such as hand signals when turning), following traffic lights, and not using your phone while cycling. You should also always stick to designated cycle lanes and never ride on tram tracks or sidewalks.

• What is the etiquette for cycling in the Netherlands? The etiquette for cycling in the Netherlands includes staying on the right-hand side of the bike lane (unless you’re actively passing someone), ringing your bell before passing, and signaling when turning. You should also be conscientious when parking bicycles, such as by leaving more accessible spaces for those who need them.

• How safe is it to bike in Amsterdam? While locals say Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in the world to cycle in—to the point that many don’t wear helmets—accidents can still happen, especially when you add more inexperienced cyclists and tourists into the mix. If you don’t feel confident, consider opting for a cycling tour and always wear a helmet.

• Why do so many people bike in Amsterdam? These days, cycling is one of the most common methods of transport in Amsterdam, mostly because it’s quick and easy. With narrow roads, limited parking, and endless one-way systems, cars are usually more trouble than they’re worth. And, while the public transport network is great, it just doesn’t offer the same flexibility as cycling.

• Do people bike in the rain in Amsterdam? Rain is almost as much a part of life in Amsterdam as bicycles are, and most residents will cycle whatever the weather. While some tourists tend to get put off by the rain—understandably so—others just put on a rain jacket or poncho and take extra care on the slippery roads.

• How do I protect my bike from being stolen in Amsterdam? Unfortunately, bicycle theft is a part of life in Amsterdam. The best way to avoid it is to opt for secure parking. Alternatively, always lock up both the frame and the wheels in an official parking space, and definitely don’t lock your bike to bridges, lampposts, or traffic signs.