Cycle Amsterdam
249 miles of cycle lane and over 600,000 bicycles, this is why Amsterdam is often aptly named the cycle capital of the world. But there is a system and it helps to know how things work before you consider exploring this city on two wheels.
10 Tips for Cycling Amsterdam
photo from Flickr by: Μøỳαл_Bгεлл♂_BACK_FROM_PRAGUE
1. Don’t get stuck in a rut. Watch the road for pesky tram lines to avoid getting your wheels stuck in the shallow gaps. You’ll often here the trams coming as they clang their bells and you must also allow them right of way.
2. Buy an Amsterdam cycle map. You can purchase a good version at Pied à Terre (Overtoom 135-137), a nice travel bookshop next to Vondelpark. If you want to venture further afield, make sure you pick up the full city map and not just the central Amsterdam version. Alternatively, head to a tourist office – there is one at central station – which provide a range of cycle maps for visitors or simply look out for the knooppuntroutes, a series of numbered routes clearly marked at road intersections. Be sure to quiz staff at cheap Amsterdam hotels who might be able to suggest some particularly scenic stretches out of town.
3. Lock up your bike. You might think that Amsterdam is some sort of peaceful haven for bike-lovers because they are everywhere. But they have become easy pickings and bike thievery is on the up. Carry a lock, request one from the rental company and don’t opt for a flashy bike that will attract attention. If possible, carry two lock; one to lock the bike to a stationary object, the other to chain the wheel to the bike. That’s right, they will even pinch your wheel if you are not careful.
4. Don’t forget where you parked. With everyone riding a similar Dutch style bike, it can be hard to spot your own wheels amongst a sea of others, especially at those huge multi storey bike parking lots around the stations which can hold thousands of bikes. Try customising your bike somehow by tying something colourful to the handlebars.
5. Get a bell. It’s fantastic having all those cycle lanes, but plenty of pedestrians still forget to look both ways before crossing. A bell is essential for warning people you are approaching and the noise has become something of a soundtrack for Amsterdam. The air is filled with ‘tring-a-ling-a-lings’.
6. Use escalators with ease. Amsterdam is very accommodating for bikes. You can take them on the metro and trains but not on trams or buses. At stations, the escalators have thin metal ramps running alongside which allow you to wheel your bike up and down as you climb the steps.
7. Visit the tulip fields. Try and time your trip to coincide with the tulip bloom. This usually happens between March and May. The Netherlands are so flat, even a 30-mile ride out of town is comparably easy. And with so much signage, you can forget forking out for a tour and piece together your own DIY excursion. The Keukenhof Gardens are particularly stunning and they are located southwest of Amsterdam in Lisse and would make a good overnight trip.
8. Watch out for traffic lights. With dedicated cycle lanes, you also have your own set of traffic lights. But take care, they do not
photo from Flickr by: Μøỳαл_Bгεлл♂_BACK_FROM_PRAGUE
always correspond with the traffic lights in the other lanes for car traffic which are heading in the same direction. The green light is in the shape of a bicycle. However in the absence of dedicated cycle traffic lights, just adhere to the normal ones.
9. Go with the flow. Never come to an abrupt halt in the cycle lanes or you may be the cause of a nasty pile-up as well as cyclists furiously ringing their bells in annoyance. Either pull in or check there is no one behind you before dismounting and walking over to the pavement.
10. Forget bike attire. You’ll see all sorts pedalling about in Amsterdam including men in suits, ladies in tight dresses, long skirts and high heels. Although certain items of clothing are not ideal for cycling in, don’t be afraid of wearing exactly what you want if you are en route to a nice restaurant, clubbing or shopping because here, anything goes. It is a personal choice whether you wear a helmet but no one wears them in Amsterdam.
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