Cycling in the Netherlands
Welcome to Ruth's Corner, a monthly column curated by our helpdesk professional Ruth to share with you her experience and expertise! This month it's all about cycling in the Netherlands.
I have been using my bike as a form of transport in the Netherlands ever since I moved here. In fact, for more than 10 years we did not have a car as we wanted to see if we could manage without one, and we tried to be environmentally conscious. Now the weather is starting to improve, and the nights are getting longer; I wanted to share my tips and experiences with the hope that you also would discover this wonderful way to travel, if you haven't already.
Cycling is one of the things I love most about the Netherlands. It has an incredible cycling infrastructure, and it has enabled me to get easily from A to B and discover lots of beautiful areas. In contrast, in the UK, where I also tried to cycle, it often felt like a risky and stressful adventure, with cycle lanes stopping at the most inconvenient and dangerous points - I rarely felt safe there. As you probably know, the cycling infrastructure here is one of the best in the world.
This doesn’t mean cycling in Leiden is always stress‑free. In rush hour it can feel a bit like I am on a super-fast highway/motorway. Everyone is in a rush, not many people indicate directions, I have no idea where anyone is going and I just have to hope that I don't collide with anyone or they with me.
The sight that amazes me still, is how much the Dutch use their bikes as a means of transportation. I have seen people pulling boats, dragging suitcases, walking dogs and horses, carrying long pieces of wood, or balancing several children on a variety of bike seats. I tried once to pull a suitcase behind me and ended up with a frozen shoulder!
These inventive ways of using bikes reminds me of when I was in India. There they also use their bikes for carrying lots of produce, household items, and once even large pieces of concrete.
Buy, or rent a bike
You can buy both new and second‑hand bikes at the local bike shops around Leiden, most have a good selection. Marktplaats, the Dutch equivalent of eBay, also lists a lot of second‑hand bikes. Always go and view the bike in person at the seller's home, take someone along who knows about bikes, and test ride it to check you feel safe and comfortable when riding it. See useful links below for further tips when choosing to purchase a bike.
If you're unsure whether cycling is for you, renting or leasing could be a good option. Subscription services may seem pricey at first, but if you have a problem they will repair or swap your bike for you. If you decide cycling isn’t for you, then you haven’t purchased something you are not going to use. Having said this, even second-hand bikes here are in demand so you probably wouldn't have trouble selling it.
Clothing
When cycling, wearing regular clothes is totally normal, so don't feel like you must buy special attire unless you would like to of course. Lycra is not necessary unless you decide to be a more serious cyclist, or join a cycling club, and then it may be more comfortable to wear padded shorts for example.
When it rains (which is not as often as people think), a good set of waterproofs is worth the investment. I’ve tried using an umbrella, but since I always forget mine, I’m grateful for decent rain gear. You don’t need to spend a lot, shops like Hema or most bike stores have affordable options.
Some rules of the road
- It is not permitted to cycle side by side with more than two people.
- It is not permitted to cycle on foot paths. You are required to make use of designated bicycle paths, or the road if there is no separate cycle path.
- It is obligatory to have working lights for your bike, to ensure visibility in the dark, mist or other circumstances with limited visibility. You should have a white or yellow light on the front of your bike, and a red light on the back. If you do not have working lights, you can get fined. At least once a year there are bike checks done by the police, especially in the wintertime, so it is good to check your lights regularly.
- Additional Rules
Areas I like to cycle
Dutch Bulb fields
Cycling in and around the Dutch bulb fields at this time of year, with the colours and smells is so incredible, it is worth it for this alone. Even when it gets busy with people stopping for photos, me included, it is still a wonderful experience, and I forget how many photos I have of the bulb fields.
Katwijk and Noordwijk
Leiden is about 40 minutes away from the coast of Katwijk and Noordwijk. It is a ride I have done many times with my family, and it takes you through some lovely landscape, along the coast and through the dunes. I recommend you do this at least once whilst you are here and make sure to stop along the way for a paddle in the sea, maybe a cup of coffee or tea or ice cream. It offers you a break and makes the journey more enjoyable.
The Green Heart (Het Groene hart)
My final suggestion is an area that they call the Green Heart (Het Groene Hart), it is very close to the Leiden region, and I can get there with my bike via a local ferry. On the other side of the water, I am directly into this beautiful area. Whilst cycling there you find yourself meeting old fashioned windmills, lots of water, cows and great areas to stop and have a rest. In some parts people sell fruit, cheese, eggs or even milk at the side of the road – it really is worth exploring this area – just look up Het Groene Hart on Google Maps and you will find a starting point. Below are other suggestions and resources to try to find a good route to follow and the great thing here is that there are cycle boards or route numbers to point you in the right direction should you need them.
Useful links
Website Route Planners
Route planner for longer journeys - Fietserbond - Offers a variety of routes to try if you wish to go further afield and you can change their website into English, German, French or Frisian!
Rental options & buying a bike
Swap Fiets and Easy Fiets
What to consider when buying a bike
I hope this has inspired you to give cycling a try, or to encourage you to expand your route and discover new places. There is much to see, and I believe cycling is one of the best ways to experience the Netherlands. I am sure you will not regret it.
Ruth x