Cycling in The Netherlands

Flat terrain and a strong cycling culture make the Netherlands a paradise for cyclists.

There are around 18 million bicycles in a country of 17 million souls, which goes to show how much a part of the culture cycling has become. Old or young, rich or poor, Dutch people seem to love cycling almost equally across different groups, making cycling a real national pursuit.

As a result, the provision of cycle lanes and other infrastructure is great. You will find bike sheds with capacity for hundreds, if not thousands, of bikes at major stations, and bike lanes are everywhere you look.

Drivers are generally respectful of cyclists and in many places cyclists take priority where the two share the road. It’s a real change from other nations where the car is king, and you will soon see why Dutch people enjoy getting around on two wheels.

To cover longer distances it’s worth looking into putting your bike on public transport. You won’t be allowed to take it on local buses or trams, but you can buy a special ticket for your bike if you are traveling by train outside of rush hour commuting times.