The rules that get people fined
- 1Lights after dark
A white or yellow light at the front and a red light at the back, plus reflectors.
- 2No phone in your hand
Holding a phone while cycling has been banned since 1 July 2019.
- 3Follow bike signals and lanes
Cyclists have their own traffic lights, and must use the bike path where there is one.
- 4No cycling after drinking
The alcohol limit for drivers also applies to cyclists.
- 5Give way at shark teeth
White triangles on the road (haaientanden) mean you yield.
Which bike?
| Speed | Rules | |
|---|---|---|
| City bike (omafiets) | Your own legs | Normal bike rules |
| E-bike | Assistance up to 25 km/h | Normal bike rules |
| Speed pedelec | Up to 45 km/h | Helmet, licence plate, insurance and a moped licence (AM) |
| Cargo bike (bakfiets) | Varies | Normal bike rules; great for children and shopping |
Locks and theft
A frame lock and a chain lock to something fixed.
Station bike parkings are guarded; the first 24 hours are usually free.
Bike subscriptions include repairs and replacement if stolen.
Ask for a receipt; very cheap bikes on the street are often stolen.
Cycling and your wallet
Employers can pay a tax-free commuting allowance per kilometre, also when you cycle, and some offer a bike plan through the work-related costs scheme. A company bike used privately has a small bijtelling of 7% of the retail price per year.
Combining bike and train? See public transport in the Netherlands.
Sources
This article is based on these official pages. If anything here differs from them, the official page is right.