What I was really amazed by when I first moved to Amsterdam was the huge popularity of cycling in the city. As I am a real bike lover, cycling across the beautiful canals in Amsterdam is one of my favourite activities. I cycle everywhere – from home to my university, from local markets to work. I barely use metro or tram services. Cycling is not only healthy, but also so much fun here.
Did you know that Amsterdam is the most bicycle-friendly capital city in the world? Yes, it is indeed, and I can experience it daily. As reported, over 60 percent of trips in the inner city are made by bike, and 38 percent of trips in the greater city area are made by bike. Impressive, right?
The cycling culture in Amsterdam is amazing. Amsterdam has a wide net of streets with little traffic, and world-class facilities for cyclists so you can get anywhere by bike – easy and much quicker than when using public transportation.
I find cycling in Amsterdam very safe, despite of what tourists say. Amsterdam's bike paths called 'fietspad' are coloured reddish-brown, in order to differentiate them from pedestrian paths. Although locals do not cycle slowly, there is no need to be afraid of joining the cyclists, really. Before I started cycling in the city, I was told that it was a real nightmare until you grasp the rules of the road - and then it's a blast. That could not be further from the truth. As long as you follow three rules, you should be more than fine:
Rule 1: Be a defensive cyclist. The most abundant obstacles you'll encounter on a bike are pedestrian tourists. They unknowingly walk on bike lanes and cross streets without looking - so you have to watch out for them and use your bell to get their attention.
Rule 2: Always know where you're going. Dutch cyclists get very frustrated with tourists lost on their bikes. Therefore avoid blocking the Fietspad and always cycle like you know where you're heading.
Rule 3: Don’t follow the Dutch cyclists. Local Amsterdam cyclists tend to ignore red lights. They carry friends on the backs of their bikes. They ride on the sidewalk. They zip past fellow cyclists without warning. They don't use lights at night (which is required by law). They chat on phones while weaving through crowds. Do not do that. They are pro, you are not.
An estimated 55.000 cycles go missing annually in the city. Luckily, mine hasn’t been stolen so far, but I always double lock it and never leave it unattended for more than eight hours. I have also noticed that Amsterdam authorities have begun removing bikes locked outside of extensive designated cycle parks on canals and at the central station.
More advice? If you set out with the expectation that you're probably going to die on your bike, every successful trip should make you happy :). Joke!
