Amsterdam: City of Bikes

Upon arriving in Amsterdam you can’t help noticing that the Dutch like bikes. In fact, the 750,000 people who live in Amsterdam own over 600,000 bicycles. In a city built for pedestrians – sporting such car-unfriendly features as narrow streets and canals, far too few parking spots (at premium fees), and single-lane one-way only traffic mazes – a bicycle is the most logical form of transportation.

In Amsterdam, just about everyone bikes. It is not unusual to see mothers, grandmothers, business people, police officers, hippies, and so on happily bike along. Some people walk their dogs by bike. Others use it to bring home groceries, flowers, furniture, children, girlfriends or anything else one can think of.

Bikes come in all shapes, sizes and colors. A group of alternative artists in Amsterdam North custom-welds two or more bike frames into fantastic creations that have its riders tower high above the road.

Young urban professionals tends to like purpose-built bikes – such as models designed to carry two or more children. Others prefer the classic cart-bikes, which can be used to transport large pieces of furniture or the contents of a small room.

So-called ‘grandma’ or ‘grandfather’ bikes are sought after by those with a sense of history. The German army stole many of Holland’s bikes during World War II, and even to-date the Dutch will half-jokingly tell German tourists that they want their bikes back.

Stolen Bikes

Despite measure to combat it, bike theft is still rampant in the city. If someone approaches you on the street to try and sell you a cheap bike, you can be sure that it was only recently stolen. If the police catch you buying such a bike you will be fined €160.

The locals try and prevent their bikes from being stolen by using two or more good locks. Those locks have to be applied in such as way that every part of the bike is attached to something else. If you make the mistake of, for example, only securing your front wheel, this is bound to happen.

Buying a Bike

Inexpensive bikes can be found at the Waterlooplein fleamarket, via Craigslist, or at regular bike stores (many of which will have refurbished trade-ins for sale). Many supermarkets and tobacconists have a ‘free ads’ board where you can find good deals from private individuals in the neighborhood.

Standing Out

Many people paint or otherwise decorate their bikes to a) make them easier to find back amidst other bikes. Too, a uniquely decorated bike works like bike theft insurance. Bike thieves prefer bikes that blend in. They are harder to spot and easier to sell.

Some Traffic Rules

Legally, bikes are allowed to turn right at a red light – if and when it is safe to do so. In reality, many Amsterdammers feel invincible once they mount their bikes, and thus they won’t stop for anything. They’ll run red lights, weave through traffic (regardless which direction it is coming from), and more often than not teach tourists not to walk on the bike paths by racing through small groups while loudly ringing their bells or yelling.

Bike Tours / Rent a Bicycle

If you want to experience Amsterdam, a bike tour is an absolute must. If you’re more adventurous, or simply are not the ‘tour type’ rent a bike instead.

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