How to Bike Safely in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has more bikes than people. Over 800,000 bicycles share the streets with locals who learned to cycle before they could walk. You, a tourist, are about to join this flow.

This guide will help you stay upright, stay legal, and stay out of the canal.

The Basics: Where You Can (and Cannot) Ride

Use the Bike Lanes

Amsterdam has excellent cycling infrastructure. The bike lanes (fietspaden) are painted red and usually on the right side of the road. They are clearly marked with white bicycle symbols.

The rule is simple: If there is a bike lane, you must use it. Cycling on sidewalks is illegal and will get you yelled at. Cycling on the road when a bike lane exists is also not allowed.

If there is no bike lane, ride on the right edge of the car road, with traffic.

Traffic Lights for Bikes

Many intersections have bike-specific traffic lights — look for the small lights with a bicycle shape. If there is no dedicated bike light, follow the same lights as cars.

Do not run red lights. Yes, you will see locals do it. They know the timing, the sight lines, and the flow. You do not. Fines are €110.

The Priority Hierarchy (Memorize This)

Amsterdam traffic has a clear priority order:

| Priority | Who | |----------|-----| | 1 (Highest) | Trams | | 2 | Cars / Buses | | 3 | Bicycles | | 4 (Lowest) | Pedestrians |

This means:

• Trams: Always, always, always yield. They cannot swerve. They cannot stop quickly. If you hear the bell, move.
• Traffic from the right: At unmarked intersections, traffic from your right has priority. You yield.
• Pedestrians: Unlike in many countries, cyclists have priority over pedestrians on bike paths. That said, don't be a jerk.

Tram Tracks: The #1 Tourist Hazard

More tourists crash because of tram tracks than any other single cause. Here is why and how to survive them.

The Problem

Tram tracks have grooves that are exactly the width of bicycle tires. If you cross them at a shallow angle, your tire drops into the groove, locks in place, and you go flying.

The Solution

Cross tram tracks at a 90-degree angle. This means turning your handlebars so you hit the tracks perpendicularly. Even if you need to veer slightly to line up the approach, do it.

If you need to ride alongside tram tracks (some streets require this), stay well away from the grooves and keep your tires on either side, not between.

Wet tracks are worse. Rain makes the metal slippery. Slow down and increase your crossing angle.

Hand Signals: How to Not Get Rear-Ended

Amsterdam cyclists communicate with hand signals. If you do not use them, you will surprise the cyclist behind you, and they will not be pleased.

The Three Essential Signals

| Signal | Meaning | How To Do It | |--------|---------|--------------| | Left arm straight out | Turning left | Extend left arm horizontally at shoulder height | | Right arm straight out (or left arm up at 90°) | Turning right | Extend right arm, or bend left arm upward at elbow | | Left arm down, palm back | Stopping | Left arm angled down with palm facing rear |

Use signals before you turn or stop. Not during. Before. Give the cyclist behind you 3-5 seconds of warning.

Riding After Dark: Required Equipment

If you ride at night without lights, you will get fined €35 per missing light. More importantly, you will not be seen.

What the Law Requires

• Front light: White or yellow, steady (not blinking — blinking lights are technically not legal in NL)
• Rear light: Red, steady
• Reflectors: Red on the back, yellow/orange on pedals, white/yellow on wheels or tires

Most rental bikes include lights. Check before you leave. If they don't work, ask for a different bike.

The Rental Bike Gotchas

Rental bikes in Amsterdam may behave differently from what you are used to.

Back-Pedal Brakes

Many Dutch bikes (especially city rental bikes) have coaster brakes — you brake by pedaling backward. There are no hand brakes on the rear wheel.

If your bike has hand brakes on the front only, the back-pedal brake controls the rear. Practice in a quiet area before joining traffic.

Heavy Frames

Dutch bikes are heavy. They are designed for stability, not speed. This is actually good for beginners — they don't tip over easily. But it means you need more distance to stop.

The Bell

Use it. The bell is your primary communication tool. A short "ring ring" means "I'm here, please move." It is polite, not aggressive.

Do not rely on shouting — tourists often do not understand Dutch, and the bell is universal.

The Don'ts (What Gets Tourists Hurt)

Don't Stop in the Middle of the Bike Lane

If you need to check your phone, look at a map, or take a photo — pull over. Get completely off the bike lane before you stop.

Stopping mid-lane is like stopping in the middle of a highway. You will be hit or nearly hit.

Don't Cycle Two Abreast in Busy Areas

You can cycle side by side with a friend on quiet streets. On busy routes, ride single file to let faster cyclists pass.

Don't Cycle in Rush Hour (Unless You're Ready)

Peak times are 8:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-6:30 PM. The bike lanes become packed with commuters moving fast and with little patience.

If it is your first time cycling in Amsterdam, avoid these windows. Choose mid-morning or early afternoon.

Don't Cycle While Using Your Phone

It is illegal (€100 fine) and dangerous. The bike lanes are narrow and full of traffic. A split-second distraction can mean a crash.

Don't Imitate the Locals

Yes, you will see Amsterdammers run red lights, cycle without lights at night, and weave through traffic. They have been doing this for decades. You have been doing this for 45 minutes. Follow the rules.

Parking and Locking

Bike theft is extremely common in Amsterdam. Over 12,000 bikes are pulled from the canals every year — many of them were poorly locked.

How to Lock Correctly

1. Use a heavy chain lock (most rentals provide one).
2. Lock through the frame and front wheel — locking just the wheel means someone carries off the frame.
3. Lock to a fixed object — a lamppost, bridge railing, or official bike rack. Not a tree (they can be cut). Not a loose fence.
4. Use the built-in wheel lock (if your bike has one) as a second layer.

Where to Park

• Use designated bike parking areas (marked with blue signs or clearly visible bike racks).
• Do not park in pedestrian zones, blocking doors, on bridges without racks, or in areas with "no bike parking" signs.
• If your bike is parked illegally, the city may remove it. You will need to collect it from the Fietsdepot (Bike Depot) and pay a fee.

Using Mokum Tour While Cycling

You are reading this on the Mokum Tour website, so you might be planning to use our audio guide while on a bike. Here is how to do that safely.

Use One Earbud Only

Keep one ear open for traffic — tram bells, cyclists behind you, car horns. Amsterdam requires you to be able to hear your surroundings.

Pull Over to Check the App

Do not look at your phone while riding. When you want to see the map or read something, pull completely off the bike lane, dismount, and then check.

Auto-Pause Is Your Friend

The app detects when you are moving fast and can auto-pause stories. Let it. Focus on traffic when you are riding; listen to stories when you are stopped.

Best Cycling Routes for Audio Tours

Some areas are better for biking than others:

• Jordaan: Quiet streets, many stories, easy cycling.
• Vondelpark: Car-free, scenic, relaxed pace.
• Plantage / Artis area: Wide bike lanes, less crowded.
• Avoid: The city center around Dam Square and Damrak. It is too busy and stressful for enjoyable cycling.

Quick Reference Card

Print this or screenshot it:

| Situation | What To Do | |-----------|------------| | Bike lane available | Use it (mandatory) | | No bike lane | Ride on right edge of road | | Tram approaching | Yield immediately | | Crossing tram tracks | 90-degree angle | | Turning | Signal 3-5 sec before | | Need to stop | Pull off bike lane first | | After dark | Lights on (white front, red rear) | | Parking | Lock through frame + wheel to fixed object | | Rush hour (8-9am, 5-6pm) | Avoid if inexperienced |

If Something Goes Wrong

Flat Tire or Bike Problem

Most rental shops offer 24-hour phone support. Call them. Many will swap the bike or send someone to help.

Bike Stolen

Report it to the rental shop immediately. They usually have insurance, but you may be liable for a fee (typically €50-100). File a police report at the nearest station or online.

Accident

If you are injured, call 112 (emergency). If it is minor, exchange information with the other party. Take photos of the scene and any damage for insurance.

Summary

1. Use the bike lanes. They are red and marked.
2. Yield to trams. No exceptions.
3. Cross tram tracks at 90 degrees.
4. Use hand signals. Always.
5. Pull over to stop. Never mid-lane.
6. Lights after dark. Check before you ride.
7. Lock to fixed objects. Through frame and wheel.
8. One earbud for audio. Keep one ear open.

Amsterdam cycling is safe if you understand the rules. Most accidents involve tourists who did not know these basics. Now you do.

Enjoy the ride.

Explore Amsterdam by bike with context. Our audio guide works perfectly while cycling — auto-pause when you are moving, stories when you stop. 200+ points of interest across the city. Get your audio guide →