Visitor’s Guide to Cycling in Amsterdam: How to Hire, Plan and Get around

“Amsterdam has a strong bike culture that’s an essential experience while visiting the city. By hiring a bike and taking a cycling tour, you can take part in all the things to do in Amsterdam and discover some hidden gems. Take a look at this visitor’s guide to Amsterdam-by-bike to prepare for your trip.

Bike hire
—————-

The process to hire a bike is simple and inexpensive, especially if you choose a simple, single-gear bike. Theft insurance is an additional cost, and with the high rate of bike theft in Amsterdam, it’s a worthwhile investment. To hire a bike, you need to provide a form of identification and a deposit, as well as a credit card authorisation. Bike hire companies can be found throughout the city, and some provide guided cycling tours with experts at an additional cost.

Cycling safety
———————

With so many locals riding bikes, Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. The city is flat and contains a vast network of cycling paths. That said, locals are assertive and ride quickly, often close to each other. Keeping up with the locals takes some practice and an understanding of the rules of the road.

Here are some safety tips for biking in Amsterdam:

– Stay in the bicycle lane on the right side of the road, which is indicated by white lines and bike symbols.

– Pay attention to the rules of the road, traffic lights and traffic signs.

– Avoid travelling on footpaths, pavement, shopping streets and motorways.

– Signal your turns by stretching your hand outward in your direction of travel.

– Use of front and back lights is required after dark.

– Pay attention to the traffic around you, such as scooters, taxis and large delivery vans that may be in your lane.

– Be careful on tram rails, which can cause your tires to get stuck.

– Park your bike in a designated bike parking area or rack. Bikes that aren’t parked correctly may be removed by the Bicycle Depot.

– Always lock your bike to something secure and immovable.

– Leave space for other cyclists and keep pace. If you need to answer your phone, pull your bike to the side.

– Rush hour for bike traffic is between 8 and 9 a.m. and 5 and 6 p.m., which brings thousands of bikes on the road. Avoid rush hour if possible.

Woman with daughter on bike in Amsterdam by Sergey Galyonkin – CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/) – https://www.flickr.com/photos/sergesegal/6067679564Cycling routes
———————

Amsterdam is filled with cycling routes that pass unique architecture, gorgeous waterways, serene beaches and urban forests.

If you’re looking for a nature experience, your best bet is Amsterdamse Bos near the outskirts of the city. The refreshing route is full of dense forests and vast parklands filled with lakes, giving you some scenic views along your ride. This pathway takes about 1 hour round-trip, but you may want to allot more time to explore the woods or have a picnic.

If you prefer a more urban tour, you can travel past the city’s most famous attractions on a city route. Starting at the Anne Frank House, you’ll pass through Jordaan and Nine Streets and ride by attractions like Rijksmuseum and the I Amsterdam sign. During your ride, you can stop in Albert Cupymarkt for lunch or Oosterpark for a picnic. To find your way back to the heart of the city, just follow the Amstel River. The whole ride takes about 40 minutes round-trip.

Amsterdam can be intimidating for beginner cyclists, but there are numerous cycling routes designed for new riders. For a short urban tour, you can ride along the canal in the centre of the city, which takes you past the Science Museum, the Botanical Gardens and Hermitage Amsterdam gallery. Depending on your stops, this ride can be completed in just over 20 minutes.

For a scenic country ride, you can cycle just outside the city in Zaandam. Nestled in the Dutch countryside, the charming town is home to authentic wooden homes, windmills, shops and cafes, perfect for an extended trip. Before you return, be sure to have lunch in one of the town’s quaint eateries. The trip to Zaandam takes about 2 hours round-trip.

Two people on a bicycle crossing Hogesluis over the river Amstel in Amsterdam – By Slaunger – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51476056Ready for your trip?
—————————

Cycling is one of the best ways to experience Amsterdam like a local. With this guide, you’re prepared for a cycling trip in a foreign city. Before you go, visit Expedia to check out deals on Amsterdam holidays and Amsterdam tours to make the most of the experience!

#### Photo Credits

Cover pic: Street scene in an Amsterdam Channel. The Netherlands, Westerkerk in the background – By © Jorge Royan / http://www.royan.com.ar, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15179200“