Bike Riding in Amsterdam
Sep 16, 2011
Bike rides through the streets of Amsterdam are the most popular and efficient form of transportation through the city. Travelers arriving on international airlines can rent bikes from the airport or even their hotel. The frenzied traffic and perplexing street signs of Amsterdam, however, can turn a simple bike ride into a nightmare. So before jumping on those two wheels and exploring the city, consider a few tips for safe and fun Amsterdam travel.
Where to Ride
Unlike other cities in Europe, Amsterdam offers over 249 miles of bike lanes and walking paths. Tourists arriving on the best fares will have no problems locating these bike paths since they are on just about every busy street you can find in the downtown area. Some bike lanes are two-way, while others progress in the same direction as local traffic. Bike lanes located on the streets are outlined by white lines and bike symbols, similar to the United States.
Know the Cyclist Signs
You need to know the rules of the road for cycling here. Unlike the United States, Amsterdam has independent street signals for cyclists on the road. Some signals cyclists will come into contact with are:
- Bike Traffic Lights - Bike traffic lights are similar to street lights in the United States since they blink green, red or yellow depending on the signal. These are located at major intersections and supersede regular street signs. If a bike traffic light is not present, then follow the regular street signals.
- Bike Path Routes - Travelers on flights to Amsterdam have the option of renting a traditional bicycle or a scooter bike to get around the city. Though both are convenient for getting around, a bicycle is allowed on more paths than a scooter. Therefore pay attention to the symbols on each bike path route to make sure a scooter is allowed before entering the bike path. Otherwise, scooters are required to drive in traffic with the rest of the vehicles.
Don’t Follow the Locals
Travelers arriving on cheap flights to Amsterdam often assume that if locals ride haphazardly, ignore signs or even zip across the sidewalk then they can too. This, however, is illegal. In the event an authority witnesses any individual disobeying scooter or bike laws, he or she will not only be fined, but could have their bike taken into custody as well.