Cycling Culture in the Netherlands: Embracing the Two-Wheeled Lifestyle

The Netherlands has more bicycles than residents—over 23 million bikes for 16 million people. Cycling dominates because the country is famously flat (highest point only 322 meters), infrastructure prioritizes cyclists with 35,000 kilometers of dedicated paths physically separated from cars, city planning makes cycling faster than driving for short distances, and bikes are affordable (50-150 euros used). Bicycle paths are cleared of snow before roads in winter, showing how seriously the Dutch prioritize cycling.

Buy a Dutch-style city bike called an "omafiets" (granny bike) with upright seating, enclosed chain guard, sturdy frame, integrated lights (legally required), bell (required), and mudguards. These aren't lightweight racing bikes—they're practical workhorses. Used bikes from fietsenmarkt (bike markets) cost 50-150 euros; new quality models cost 300+ euros. For families, consider cargo bikes (bakfiets) or electric bikes (e-bikes) for longer distances, though racing bikes are less practical for daily Dutch cycling.

Bicycle theft is genuinely common, so take it seriously. Use a sturdy U-lock (around 50 euros) for your frame and rear wheel, plus a cable lock (10-20 euros) for your front wheel. Always lock both wheels and the frame to a fixed object, even for five minutes. Never leave your bike unattended without locking it—bikes disappear quickly in major cities like Amsterdam. This isn't paranoia; it's standard Dutch practice and essential protection for your investment.

Slower cyclists stay right; faster cyclists pass on the left. Ring your bell to warn pedestrians—this is polite, not aggressive. Signal turns clearly: extend your left arm horizontally for left turns, raise your right arm at an angle for right turns. Don't swerve between parked cars into bicycle paths without looking first. Never cut off fellow cyclists at intersections. Following these unspoken rules keeps the system functional and shows respect for Dutch cycling culture.