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Everything you need to know about cycling in the Netherlands

Getting around by bike

Cycling is a very common mode of transport in the Netherlands. Dutch people use their bike for everyting; as a way to commute as well as for recreation and transportation. Throughout the country, there is good infrastructure with a well maintained network of cycle paths and clear signposts. Wearing a helmet is not compulsory.  

Cycling in the Netherlands is safe, convenient and pleasant. Within the Leiden region you can easily cycle from the city to the sandy beaches on the coast in 20-30 minutes.

More about cycling in the Netherlands
Picture of a girl holding her bike while she walks

Safety tips

  • Always use the bicycle lanes (if available)

  • Some bicycle lanes are bidirectional. This is indicated by a centre line. If there is no line, us the cycle lane on the right of the road.

  • Follow the same rules as motor vehicle drivers and adhere to traffic lights and signs

  • Signal by putting out your arm when you change direction Always give way to buses, trams and taxis

  • Use bike lights (both headlight and taillight) when cycling at night

  • Wearing a safety helmet is not common in the Netherlands - and indeed is not obligatory - but accidents do happen, so it's worth considering.

  • Don’t use a phone while cycling

  • Give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing

Practical tips:  

  • Make sure your bike has a lock as bikes often get stolen.  
  • Wearing a helmet is not mandatory.  
  • Use the bell on your bike when pedestrians are blocking your way.  
  • Signal when you turn: stick out the arm in the direction that you are turning.
  • Check out Expat Republic's Guide to Buying a Bike in the Netherlands

 

Some rules regarding cycling in the Netherlands:  

  • 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.  
  • 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.   

Parking your bicycle around Leiden Central Station

Around the Central Station in Leiden it is prohibited to park your bike outside of the designated areas. These areas are indicated by signs that say “Fiets fout, fiets weg”. This means that if your bicycle is parked in the wrong spot it will be removed by the municipality. The municipality also has the right to remove your bicycle from these areas if it has been parked there in the same spot for two weeks or longer.  

If you suspect your bicycle may have been impounded, you can go to the website Verloren of Gevonden (Lost or Found), which is where photographs of impounded bicycles are published. You can go to the depot to collect your bicycle as long as you bring valid identification and the key to your bicycle. The cost of getting your bicycle back is 26 euros. Please note: the only accepted method of payment is by debit card! 

A safe bicycle

People in the Netherlands cycle a lot. A safe bike forms the basis for cycling safely. So it is very important that your bicycle is in good condition! But when is your bicycle safe? What do you have to pay attention to? Veilig Verkeer Nederland, a Dutch organisation that promotes road safety, has made a checklist to see if your bike is safe. A safe bicycle complies to the following points:

  1. The handlebar is properly secured.
  2. The bell is clearly audible.
  3. The grips are firmly attached to the handlebar and are intact.
  4. The bike must have good brakes: back-pedal brake or hand brakes. In the case of hand brakes, both wheels should be able to brake properly.
  5. The headlight works well, shines straight ahead and gives white or yellow light. It is not allowed to be flashing.
  6. The spokes in both wheels are tight and there are no missing spokes.
  7. Side reflectors: the tyres have circular reflectors or there are white or yellow reflectors on the wheels, at least one per wheel.
  8. The tyres are well inflated and have sufficient profile.
  9. The saddle is well fastened.
  10. The saddle is adjusted to the right height: You can just touch the ground with both feet (toes) when sitting on the saddle.
  11. The pedals are grippy enough.
  12. Both pedals have two yellow reflectors.
  13. The chain is well adjusted; not too loose, not too tight. Tip: Do you have an open chain case and are you wearing wide trousers? Then use a trouser clip or band to prevent the trousers from getting caught in the chain.
  14. There is a red reflector on the back of the bike or integrated in the rear light.
  15. The rear light works well, shines to the rear and gives red light. It is not allowed to be flashing. 

More about Cycling & Getting Around

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