Amsterdam is renowned as a top bicycle-friendly city where a vast majority of its residents have been using bicycles as their primary mode of transportation since their early years. With the extensive network of bike paths within the city and the surrounding Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, cycling is an ideal way to explore the hidden gems of Amsterdam, either independently or as part of a guided bike tour.
The historic city centre of Amsterdam, with its narrow and winding streets, is best explored on a bike. There are nearly 400 kilometers of cycling paths that lead to almost every corner of the city, making Amsterdam a true cycling city.
A cycling tour of Amsterdam would be an incredible thing to do. Opting for a bike rental or joining a guided bike tour can be an exciting adventure to discover the city’s beauty. If you’re new to cycling or apprehensive about traffic, don’t worry as rental shops and expert guides are available to assist you and offer valuable tips.
Cycling tips in Amsterdam Bicycle-friendly city
Amsterdam is cycle-friendly but Cycling in Amsterdam can be hectic, especially if you’re not used to Amsterdam-style traffic. Here are some tips to keep in mind after you rent a bike:
Stay in your lane: use the bicycle lane on the right-hand side of the road, marked out by white lines and bike symbols.
Follow the rules of the road on a cycling tour of Amsterdam: adhere to all traffic lights and signs; don’t cycle on footpaths, shopping streets, pavements, and motorways. It’s required by law to use front and back lights on your bicycle after dark.
Give a sign: always signal before turning by putting your hand out in a Bicycle-friendly city.
Watch out for tram rails: it’s easy to get your tires stuck in the rails – cross them at a sharp angle.
Park it right: make sure to park your bike in a designated bike parking section, rack, or indoor parking facility as bikes that are not parked in the right areas may be removed and stored in the Bicycle Depot. And to avoid theft, lock your bike to something secure and immovable in a Bicycle-friendly city.
Make room for fellow cyclists: don’t bike more than two people across, keep pace with the other cyclists, and pull over to answer your phone or check the map.
Avoid rush hour: between 08:00 and 09:00 or 17:00 and 18:00, there are thousands of bikes on the road, often resulting in big queues at junctions. If you don’t need to be somewhere, wait until the rush calms down.
Don’t imitate the Dutch in the cycling tour of Amsterdam: Amsterdammers are notorious for breaking the rules: cycling through red lights or biking at night without lights. Do not follow their example!
To avoid having your bicycle removed in the historic city centre of Amsterdam or anywhere there, it’s recommended to park it only at designated racks or in dedicated parking garages. The city has guidelines on where to park and you can find the locations on a map. If your bike is found or removed due to illegal parking, it will be taken to the Fietsdepot, where owners can check if it’s been recovered by calling 14020 and paying a fee to reclaim it.
Amsterdam is cycle-friendly, with plenty of scenic routes to explore. Whether you’re looking for an urban ride or a trip out of the city, there’s something for everyone. You can rent a bike from Black Bikes at an affordable rate.
Roaming around these places while riding a bike:
1. GREEN ROUTE: FOREST RIDE
One of the recommended cycle routes for the cycling tour of Amsterdam is the “Green Route: Forest Ride,” which is perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful ride. This scenic route takes you to Bicycle-friendly Amsterdamse Bos, an urban forest on the edge of the city. Here, you can enjoy cycling through vast parks and big forests, surrounded by tall evergreens and glistening lakes. Take a break for a picnic or admire the sunset by the lake before cycling back to the hostel in time for Happy Hour.
2. PURPLE ROUTE: URBAN TOUR OF SIGHTS AND CANALS
Explore with a cycling tour of Amsterdam the famous sights and canals on this urban bike tour with the Purple Route. Cycle alongside the canals and stop at some of the city’s iconic locations, such as the Anne Frank House and the trendy Nine Streets shopping area in the famous Jordaan district.
Take a break at the cool Albert Cuypmarkt for lunch and traditional Dutch stroopwafels. This route is a great way to experience the cycle-friendly city and see some of its highlights.
3. BLUE ROUTE: SHORT CITY CYCLE FOR BEGINNERS
The third route, marked in blue, is designed for beginner cyclists for a cycling tour of Amsterdam who may not feel completely confident cycling in a foreign city, even though Amsterdam is considered to be one of the safest places to cycle.
This Bicycle-friendly city and cycle-friendly route is short and takes just over 20 minutes to complete if you don’t make any stops to explore the sights along the way. The route is easy to follow and takes you along the canals, allowing you to take in scenic views. You can also stop to explore some attractions such as the Botanical Gardens, the Science Museum, or the Hermitage Amsterdam gallery.
4. ORANGE ROUTE: GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK AND INTO THE COUNTRYSIDE
The Orange Route takes you on a half-day adventure off the usual path and into the scenic countryside of the Netherlands. Head north of Amsterdam to Zaandam, a charming city with colorful buildings and picturesque windmills. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the lush Dutch countryside and the famous Zaan River.
The highlight of this Bicycle-friendly and the cycle-friendly route is the Zaanse Schans, a unique area of Zaandam with authentic wooden houses, windmills, and workshops. Take your time exploring the area, popping into little shops, and admiring the Inntel Hotel, a stacked architectural masterpiece. For a leisurely lunch break, stop at Cafe Brasserie Het Heerenhuis and sit outside to soak up the atmosphere.
5. YELLOW ROUTE: ADVANCED DAY TRIP OUT OF THE CITY
For those looking for a full-day adventure on their bikes, the Yellow Route is the ideal choice. This route takes you beyond the Bicycle-friendly city of Amsterdam to explore some charming and quaint villages that are well worth a visit. Edam, Volendam, and Marken are three villages that make up the Waterland area, and they are known for their stunning canals and narrow Dutch houses.
Along the way, you’ll cycle through the beautiful Dutch countryside. This route requires a full day to fully appreciate, as you’ll want to take the time to stop and explore each village. However, it’s important to note that this is an advanced route and is not recommended for those who are not accustomed to long rides.
