The Rules For Riding a Bike in Amsterdam

Having lived in Amsterdam for almost two years now, I like to think that I know a thing or two about the rules of the road (and cycle lanes). It’s a tough world out there, especially for novice tourists who haven’t sat on a bike seat since they were a kid.

But as every damn guide book, close friend and any person who’s ever been to Amsterdam EVER will tell you – the best way to see the city is on a bike.

I know what it’s like. I was a newbie in the city once. Back in 2012 when I visited Amsterdam for the first time, I could NOT get used to the back-pedal system of the bikes, having always used handlebar brakes.

Then there was the time I tried to swerve into the road and got my bike tyre stuck in the tram tracks. Yeah, that was fun.

Once you have to cycle everywhere, for everything, you quickly get used to the lane system, the other cyclists, the general “rules”, the scooters and the tourists. If you’re going to rent a bike when you visit Amsterdam, there’s a few things you should know beforehand.

Don’t show weakness

Guess what? I know if you’re a tourist. I know because you hesitate, because you travel in groups that ride five deep, that you slow down to take a video of yourself on your GoPro.

And when locals know that you’re a tourist, they’ll automatically try and overtake you. Or will weave in and out of your group to get where they’re going which will likely scare the crap out of you.

You may also get some seriously pissed off bell ringing action.

My advice? Don’t show weakness – a bit like if you encounter a wild animal in the woods. Try and stay calm and just let them pass. And don’t try and take a video selfie in the middle of a busy road in the centre of the city.

Dutch children WILL be better cyclists than you

The above rule also applies to children. Do not naively assume that a six-year-old doesn’t know what they’re doing. Dutch people grow up on bikes. I’m not kidding. They will run circles around you and your yellow bike.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Dutch people can do 500 things while riding a bike

Have you ever tried to eat an apple while writing a text message while holding an umbrella while riding a bike? A Dutch person has. Many times.

Please don’t try it yourself.

Me? I’m not a native Amsterdammer and even I have been known to cycle home with a 12-pack of toilet roll in one hand, a bunch of celery in the other*, a bag swung over my wrist, trying to keep an umbrella up.

(*That isn’t my usual shopping list, FYI.)

Be brave – but not too brave

Once you’ve gotten the hang of the cycling thing, likely after a few hours of trundling around the city or the countryside, you may get pretty cocky. You may even think you’re invincible.

But even locals aren’t invincible. Don’t take chances with the traffic – especially the trams. They can’t swerve to avoid you and CAN hit you.

Also, don’t be the idiot who races out across the road after the light has changed to red. It’s not big, it’s not clever and you’ll just scare the bejeezus out of all other traffic on the road.

That big box on the front of the bike? Will likely have several pets, children and shopping bags in it

You may have laughed at the sight of locals cycling their babies and dogs around on the front of their bikes. But those big box attachments on the front of the bikes? They will likely have more stuff in them than would seem humanly possible. They are like the bike equivalent of Mary Poppins’ handbag.

Children, shopping bags, small bikes, pets and other sundry items will likely be crammed in there. It’s best to give them a wide berth on cycle lanes, even if you’re not sure how they even fit on the lane in the first place (please see first three rules about why and how they manage to whizz around the city like they do).

Scooters

Scooters (I’m talking Vespas and motor scooters here) are the scourge of the bike lane. I don’t know any local that likes them riding in the bike lane, but they still do. Apparently the government are attempting to change the laws about them and where they should drive, but there seems to currently be no hard-and-fast rule.

They will come speeding past you in a bike lane, swerving in and out of bikes and cars. They may even clip you with their wing mirror as they go past.

Just do what I do (I like to call it the “British approach”) – swear at them under your breath, not loud enough that they will actually hear it, stop the engine and proceed to beat you up, but loud enough that you feel vindicated. Should do the trick.

The art of the “backy”

Many locals hitch rides on the back of their friends’ bikes. It’s a common sight and something that is typically Dutch.

Please don’t try it if you’re not confident you or the cyclist can stay upright. Trust me on this one – I bruised my backside in 2012 so you don’t have to. You’re welcome.