Cycling like a local: rules, safety and etiquette
The bike is the heart of Dutch daily life. Ride it confidently and safely.
Cycling here isn't a sport — it's transport. Once you're comfortable, it's the fastest, cheapest way around town.
The basics
- Ride on the bike lanes (often red asphalt); never walk or stand in them.
- Signal turns with your arm, and keep right so faster riders can pass.
- Lights front and back are legally required after dark — fines are common.
- Lock your frame and wheel to something fixed.
Don't be intimidated by busy junctions — go with the flow, be predictable, and watch for scooters in the bike lane.
Tip: A second-hand "omafiets" (granny bike) is cheap, sturdy and very Dutch — and less of a theft target than a flashy one.
Rules change. This post was accurate when written; check the official source it links before you act.