In Holland, cycling is one of the most popular forms of transportation. Nowhere is this more apparent than Amsterdam, where bikes get the green light.
In Holland, bikes are like bread and butter. Practical, efficient, economic (especially when it comes to parking) and often the quickest option getting from A to B, Dutch bikes are valued for function over form—which explains why the average Dutch bike is a battered, rust-laden creature. Cycling is by far the country’s most popular form of transportation. Its16.4 million inhabitants own 17 million bikes (in Amsterdam, that’s 800,000 bikes for 750,000 people) and an estimated 3.4 million people hop on daily for the commute.
Learn to bike like a resident
For bike aficionados or those who’ve always wanted to give urban cycling a spin, Amsterdam, a.k.a. bike capital of the world, is the place to do it. It’s fun, a great way to get around and definitively Dutch. Luckily, in Holland bikes are legally entitled to the right of way—in other words, bikes go first—so all forms of traffic are extra vigilant. But also, a disclaimer: the Dutch ride aggressively and will clank their bells while trying to avoid trams, cars, fellow cyclists, buses, roller-bladers, and probably the most dangerous thing on the road: oblivious, map-reading tourists. The best way to stay upright is to use the designated cycle lanes, observe traffic signals and take it slow. Of course banging your bell loudly, warning others of your imminent approach, doesn’t hurt either. But master the basics, and the city is easy to explore.
Bike Rentals
For those who want to go native and rent a bike, there are dozen of rental companies throughout the city and many hotels offer bikes on the spot. Rental companies require ID, plus a cash or credit deposit, which rents a sturdy Dutch oma or opa fiets (that’s a single gear grandma or grandpa bike) with solid handlebars, back-pedal breaks, thick tires and an even thicker lock. Actually two locks, one for the frame, the other for the back wheel.
Be Secure
Bike theft is a serious problem in the Netherlands, especially around train stations and in Amsterdam itself, where approximately 80,000 bikes are stolen a year, and 25,000 end up in the canals (hence, the deposit.) It goes without saying that locking up is crucial. Always lock the bike to something solid and always lock the frame. At night, always use the lights, too, or the police might hand out a fine.
Here are a few bike rentals to choose from:
Macbike, a tourist favorite with 5 locations citywide
Enjoy the ride and this unique cycling experience.
