Cycling is a normal mode of transport in Holland and is not simply for kids or cycling fanatics. Because of this, the Dutch cycling community is very diverse. Kids on their first bike, children riding to school, people commuting to work, couples on holiday, leisurely Sunday cyclists, all sharing the same network of routes and cycle paths.
The high level of use of bicycles has lead to the wide availability of various facilities, such as dedicated cycle paths, repair shops and secured parking areas. You will also be surprised at the consideration that most motorists show to bikers.
Traffic regulations:
In the Dutch traffic law bicyclists are an important category and have certain benefits over other road users. There are some special regulations that are different from those for motor traffic here in Holland, and maybe quite different from those in other countries. The 'right of way' rules do not distinguish between 'slow traffic' (bicycles, mopeds, etc) and 'fast traffic' (motorcycles and cars etc).
Your Tulip Cycling 'pre-tour information' and 'renter's guide' include a paragraph about Dutch traffic rules.
Access of roads:
Cycle paths and bike lanes are indicated by blue circular or oblong signs; one with a white bike symbol, the other with 'fietspad'.
Roads that forbid cycling are indicated by signs. However, when a major road has a cycle path running alongside, the cyclist may only use the cycle path, even though this may not be explicitly indicated.
Side by side:
Officially you're allowed to cycle two-abreast, provided that there is sufficient space for this, and that you don't impede other road-users. Cycling is not allowed on sidewalks and pedestrian areas.
Right of way:
Relatively few crossings have the priority explicitly indicated on signs. For those that have, road markings (white triangles) are more commonly used than traffic signs.
On a crossing which has equal priority, all traffic coming from the right has the right of way.
Traffic that is turning off a main road must give way to the traffic that continues along that road. This also means that cars turning right have to give priority to bikes going straight on.
Traffic coming from exits or unclassified roads must give way to traffic already on the main road; this also applies where a cycle path ends or crosses another road.
The right of way situation on roundabouts varies. For some roundabouts the priority is according to the general rule (i.e. the traffic coming from the right has priority), while on others, the traffic approaching the roundabout has to yield to the traffic already on it.
Riding in the dark:
According to the law, your bike should have its lights switched on when riding in the dark and also be fitted with reflectors. This should be a white light at the front, and a red tail-light at the rear, plus a red reflector. Reflective pedals and side reflection on both wheels or tyres should also be fitted.
All Tulip Cycling bikes meet these requirements.
Helmets:
There is no legal obligation to wear helmets under normal cycling conditions. They are only required during organised racing competitions. For every-day cycling, the Dutch rarely wear helmets, as most people cycle at a pace where it is not thought to be necessary. There is a popular expectation that helmets accompany sporty-looking clothing aand therefore are not used on normal cycling trips.
Although some may find it a-little-out-of-the-ordinary to see people wearing a helmets while cycling, no offence is ever meant by this. So, if you're used to wearing a helmet or you feel uncomfortable without one, don't hesitate to put one on.
Bicycle theft:
In general there's no need to be nervous about bicycle theft in Holland. Like everywhere else, the risk of your bike being stolen does merit a little extra caution. The problem is at its most severe in the larger towns (notably Amsterdam). Outside the larger urban areas, the situation is much more secure. Your Tulip Cycling rental bike is equipped with a solid, frame-mounted lock and we always provide one or more extra cable locks for each group. Please remember the advice: if you're not riding your bike, lock it up! Another option would be to leave your bike at a secure bike parking area, which are usually to be found by the larger railway stations, and often near major shopping areas.
Cyclist's liability:
The Dutch government has brought in legislation stating that primarily the motorist is liable for the damage incurred in accidents involving cyclists. However, cyclists remain responsible for their own traffic-behaviour. They can be fined for traffic violations and if their traffic behaviour has further consequences, then the judge is at liberty to pass sentence on them. Furthermore, a cyclist who has been found guilty of a traffic violation, is liable for the damage caused to the car. The courts give separate judgements concerning liability and guilt in such situations, so damages can be claimed by a cyclist whether or not he may have been judged as responsible for causing the accident. The guilty judgement is ignored when apportioning damages, because of the greater vulnerability of the cyclist. Motorists are legally obliged to insure themselves against this type of accident and the insurance companies are obliged to honour the claims.
