In the Netherlands everyone cycles: adults, children, teenagers, the elderly, students and professionals. It is also quite common for children to learn to cycle at a very young age (3-4 years old) with their parents or grandparents. Did you know that around 85% of the population owns at least one bicycle?

Cycling is popular because there is a continuous network of cycle lanes that is maintained, which makes cycling a convenient and easy way to get around. The Netherlands has over 15,000 km of cycle lanes.

At many Dutch train stations you can rent a bicycle for a very reasonable price. You can also store your own cycle at a safe place.

Road signs

It is a good idea to learn a few Dutch bicycle terms since living in the Netherlands means that the road signs are in Dutch. Here are the most common words on cycle signs: 

Fiets = Bicycle
Fietspad = Cycle Lane
Fietsenstalling = Parking for bicycles
Geen fietsen stallen = Bicycle parking is not permitted (often seen in front of businesses)
Fietsers uitgezonderd = This rule does not apply to bicyclists
Fietsen toegestaan = Cycling allowed
Fietsrek = Bike Rack

 

The following laws are specifically for bicyclists:

• Cycling is not allowed on sidewalks or pedestrian-only areas.
• Use hand signals when preparing to make a left or right turn. Simply put your arm out in the direction you want to turn.
• It is allowed to cycle alongside another bicyclist, but cycling with three people side by side is not permitted.
• Cycling is not allowed on highways.
• When in the city centre always park your bike in a bike rack or the council will take it away and you will be fined in order to get in back!
• Tunnels may or may not be accessible for cycling. If they are, there usually is a separate cycle lane.
• Mopeds (brommers) must use the main road rather than the cycle lanes. They are on the bike roads only if explicitly indicated, by the blue traffic sign displaying a bicycle and a moped symbol. In this case bicyclists should be prepared for mopeds by cycling on the right side of the cycle lane so they can pass.
• Use the bicycle bell to warn other bicyclists that you are approaching and need to pass them, use it to warn pedestrians who are blocking the cycle lane, or to warn anyone else who might be in your way!
• Do not park your cycle in places that have signs posted saying, ‘Geen fietsen plaatsen’. (No cycle parking.)
• Always have front and rear lights on at night. When visibility is poor due to mist, lights are mandatory even during the daytime.
• Your cycle must be equipped with lights and reflectors when riding in the dark. This includes a white front and red tail light, a red rear reflector, reflective pedals, and some sort of side reflector on both wheels or tires. This side reflector should be circular, either a reflective strip on the tire, or one separately attached to the spokes.
• Bicycle lights must be attached to the bicycle. The lights cannot flash on and off and may not be blinding.
• The front light on your bicycle must be white or yellow, and the rear light must be red.

 

Bicycle thefts

Although the Netherlands is a safe country, bicycle theft is a big problem. Amsterdam is said to be the bicycle theft capital of the world. If you come across people on the street asking you if you are interested in purchasing a bicycle, know these are possibly stolen bicycles.

Useful websites:

⫘  www.fietsersbond.nl/english-info
⫘ www.eurovelo.com
⫘  www.bicyclemania.nl

Purchasing a bicycle in Hilversum

There are many places where you can purchase a new or second hand cycle in Hilversum. Many new ISH parents buy their bicycles at:

Antilope
Koningsstraat 6, Hilversum
☏  035-6249102
⫘  www.antilope.nl

Mark Bakker Fietsen
Eikbosserweg 126, Hilversum
☏  035-6214851
⫘  www.markbakkerfietsen.nl

Muijstweewielers
Neuweg 347A Hilversum
☏  035-6214472
⫘  www.muijstweewielers.nl

Halfords Hilversum
Groest 96, Hilversum
☏  035-6242116
⫘  www.halfords.nl

The open-air market in Hilversum
(on Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Langgewenst Hilversum
⫘  www.demarktvanhilversum.nl