Bicycle Nation
The Netherlands is the most bicycle-crazy country in the world — and that's no exaggeration. Want some numbers?
- 23 million bicycles for 17 million inhabitants
- 36% of all trips are made by bike (in Amsterdam: 40%)
- 35,000 km of bike paths — completely separated from car traffic
- 500,000 bicycles end up at the bottom of Amsterdam's canals (annually!)
The bicycle (fiets) is not a sports device — it is the number one means of transport. Children ride to school alone from the age of 4. CEOs ride to the office in suits. Ministers cycle to parliament. People ride in the rain. In storms too. In snow, of course. The Dutch ride one-handed (the other hand holds the umbrella, the phone, the beer, or the baby).
Rules for Tourists on Bikes
- Use the bike path! — Riding on the sidewalk or the car road is forbidden and dangerous. Bike paths are marked in red.
- Signal with your hand — Extend your arm before turning
- Right before left — Just like in car traffic
- Don't stand on the bike path! — Tourists who stop on the bike path to take photos are the number one hate object
- Lights on! — Riding without lights costs a 60 € fine
- Double lock! — Bicycle theft is the second national sport (after football)
Achtung
As a pedestrian in Amsterdam: ALWAYS watch out for bicycles! Cyclists come quickly and silently and do not take heed of inattentive tourists on the bike path. The bell is not a friendly warning — it means "Get out of the way IMMEDIATELY!".
