Cycling Fun in Amsterdam
Guest Post by Bounce Luggage Storage
The most visited city in the Netherlands is Amsterdam, which is also its capital. Today the city is known for its character and charm with a mixture of modern buildings, historic sites and gorgeous canals. Amsterdam is not a very big city which means that it is easy to navigate and many of the big attractions are located close by to one another.
Visiting a city like Amsterdam is the perfect opportunity to do lots of walking and biking. In fact, cycling around is common and you will probably see many locals getting around by bike! Interested in cycling around the city? Consider a few of the best places to go biking in Amsterdam.
Bike travelers tip: Exploring the city on two wheels will be fun but you might want to leave your bags behind at an Amsterdam luggage storage locker. Don’t be burdened by bags and backpacks. Bring along the essentials only for a carefree cycling adventure!
Biking Destinations in Amsterdam
Bike Through Vondelpark
Amsterdam is a green city with many public parks and gardens. The city’s biggest and one of its most beautiful is Vondelpark which is used as the venue for lots of big festivals and events. The park is full of biking paths that you can explore as well as bridges and ponds. There are also a couple of restaurants in the area so we suggest timing your bike ride right before lunch or dinner, or bring some food to have a picnic!
Explore The Dam Square
If you feel like doing some sightseeing by bike, Dam Square is the place to go. It is situated right in the heart of the city and is home to some of Amsterdam’s best monuments as well as several tourist attractions. Bike around the square to discover places like the war memorial, the Royal Palace, Madame Tussaud’s or Ripley’s Believe It or Not!.
Enjoy The Amsterdam Forest
Feel like spending some time in nature? Try biking around the Amsterdam Bos forest! It has over 50 kilometers of biking paths for you to discover as well as two farms where you can stop for a bite to eat. We recommend following the red posts; they will bring you on a nice 14 kilometer ride through some of the forest’s most beautiful areas.
Cycle Along the Amstel River
Since the Amstel River is such an important part of the city it is definitely a good idea to spend some time around it while you are in Amsterdam. One of the best ways to admire the river is by biking along its shores, plus you’ll get to see some of the top sights of the city and beautiful canal houses!
Remember the Cycling Rules of the Road
Biking is a fun way to stay active while seeing a new city. However, it is important to become familiar with the local cycling regulations so that everyone can stay safe and have a good time. Below are some of the rules that you should learn before biking around Amsterdam.
Use a Light at Night
It is important to note that in Amsterdam you are required by law to have a light on both the front and the back of your bike once the sun goes down. This will help other cyclists and cars to see you!
Stay in Your Designated Lane
When possible, stick to the bike paths that circulate around the city. You will recognize the lanes by the bike symbols and white lines, and they are usually found on the right side of the road.
Follow Road Rules
When biking, remember that you will need to obey the same rules as you would in a car. This means stopping at pedestrian crosswalks, stop lights and stop signs. You should also hop off of your bike when you are in designated pedestrian areas or footpaths.
Signal Your Intentions
If you are biking on the road it is very important to signal when you are about to turn. All that you have to do is stick your hand out indicating the direction that you want to turn and check to make sure that there are no cars or other bikes in your blind spot.
Watch Where you Park
In Amsterdam if you don’t park your bike where it is supposed to be it can be removed and taken to the Bicycle Depot. Make sure you find a good bicycle rack or parking section that is designated for bicycles when you want to hop off for a bit. And lock your bike to a secure object to avoid theft!
More Tips for Biking in Amsterdam
Other than the necessary rules written above there are a few more ways that you can make cycling in Amsterdam safe and enjoyable. Keep these tips in mind!
Avoid Traffic
Cycling in Amsterdam is a popular way of getting around. Aside from traffic jams on the freeways, the bicycle lanes can also get backed up! If you don’t have to be anywhere try to avoid biking during rush hour since the junctions can get very busy.
Be Careful Crossing Tram Rails
Of course, you should always check to see if there are any trams coming before you cross the rails. You should also know that the tram rails can be deep and if you don’t cross them right you might get your bike tires stuck. Make sure that you cross them at a sharp angle to avoid any issues.
Always be Aware of Your Surroundings
Lots of locals choose to bike to get around, which means that bicycle lanes can get crowded. There are also cars, pedestrians, scooters and trams to look out for so you should always be paying attention to who and what is around you.
Discovering Amsterdam on Two Wheels
In a stunning city like Amsterdam, you will probably want to spend lots of time outside. Biking around town is one of the best ways to experience the city to its fullest and you can really feel like a local, since about 58% of the population bike daily! As long as you follow the rules and are mindful of others around you, biking can be safe and exciting for everyone.
