fietsen (cycling)

a guide by Chiamaka🎀 (Universiteit van Amsterdam in the Netherlands)

When you hear ‘Amsterdam’ what first comes to mind? I think of cycling (fietsen in Dutch). Everybody cycles here – it’s the most convenient and cost effective option to move around the city. Wheelchair users even have modified options ! So this blog is going to breakdown everything you need to know about bikes and cycling in the city (and the whole country, I guess).

1 why cycle?
Depending on where you live in comparison to your uni (UvA is in the centre, VU is in Zuid (south)) you probably can’t walk. I personally live a 1h+ walk from UvA – I have done it several times but it definitely isn’t convenient. Because of the way that the UvA housing lottery works, you could get placed anywhere in the city – for example, if you get placed in Noord you will have to take either the ferry or metro to get to uni. The public transport is really reliable actually, but crazy expensive. In my first month abroad, when I hadn’t yet purchased a bike, I took the tram everyday to campus. I spent 120 euros spent on transport alone that month =p. And the metro is even more expensive to be honest. It’s so expensive because they charge per kilometre. So in my opinion, cycling is the cheaper (and healthier and more ecofriendly) option.

2 buy or rent
Renting is a safer option – bike theft is common (I know 3 people whose bikes got nicked within their first 3 rides). Swapfiets is the most popular supplier that students use and they have shops in Leiden, too. If you do a semester abroad, Swapfiets is definitely the most cost effective option – the cheapest is 20 euros a month, and this includes repair, exchange and replacement in case of theft.

Bikes can be very expensive depending on where you buy them from, and you also have to factor in repair costs. I have payed probably 80 euros in repairs so far so… It’s still much cheaper than public transport but a bike is definitely an investment. Also, you can resell it before you leave.

3 buying a bike
First you need to decide what type of bike is best for you. Most people ride an omafiets (city bike) which is perfect for the flat cycle paths. A race bike is also good, but the thin tires are more likely to get stuck in tram tracks (more on this later). And, the uglier your bike, the less likely it is to be stolen.

You have options depending on your budget. There are many bike shops throughout the city but I found that their bikes were 200 minimum, but definitely guaranteed to be in good condition. I know people who bought off Marktplaats (I guess a Dutch equivalent of Facebook marketplace – I know a friend that got an amazing bike for 120 from here btw). This is a really good option, except that there are so many results and I couldn’t be bothered to spend hours looking for a perfect bike. AND since its online, you can’t guarantee the condition.

I bought mine from a market (Waterlooplein) for 130 euros (including 2 locks). I love my bike, but I didn’t really pay attention to it when purchasing. My handle bars were angled down, which caused poor posture and isn’t safest for riding. You need to be more attentive when purchasing from a market – check that the chain isn’t rusty or bent, the brakes work, and that nothing is loose.

Wherever you choose to buy from, please ensure you buy good locks. They are expensive but necessary. I have 2 – a chain lock and a ring lock. I had never seen a ring lock before I moved here but they basically stop the back wheel from moving. So if say, you were just popping into the shop, you would use this lock. Pro tip: loop your chain through the front wheel because this one is easiest for a thief to remove. Never leave your bike unlocked. Bike thieves are everywhere xoxo

4 cycling
I loveeee cycling in Amsterdam. A lot of people I know are afraid of cycling but I find that even when I cycle slowly it’s no stress at all. Different strokes, I guess. Always make sure you cycle on the right hand side, especially if you are going slow so that people can overtake you.

Tram tracks are actually the bane of my existence. The day after I bought my bike, I got stuck in one and fell and grazed my knee. So now I’ve learnt the method. Always go across at least at a 45 degree angle (I’m lowkey traumatised so I usually go perpendicular) to guarantee smooth passage.

Beware of fat bikes ! They go really fast and take up a lot of room in the cycle lanes. Also, motorbikes and small cars sometimes come in the lanes to avoid traffic. Make sure you stay as far right as possible so you don’t get hit.

5 road rules
There are bike police in the Netherlands and they are serious about their jobs lol. You can get fined for cycling without lights at night and for using your phone or even just holding it in your hand, even if you are using maps. Lights can be bought from Action (a Poundland equivalent) for like 3 euros. You can get a phone stand from any bike shop to legally use your phone. These laws don’t stop people from doing these things but they are for safety.

You also are required to have a working bell – you most definitely need it in touristy areas.

You’ve now reached the end of this guide. You should be all set to take on the cycle lanes of Amsterdam ! Veel success !