Amsterdam is a beautiful city, especially from a bike. But if you’re not from Amsterdam, you basically need to learn how to ride a bike in Amsterdam. Wether you’re from Utrecht, Maastricht or a foreign country – everybody needs a lesson on riding a bike in Amsterdam. The most important rules to survive every bike situation possible:
Hands
First, learn how to let go one of your hands so you can use hand signals. Stick your right or left arm out in the direction you plan to turn to avoid crashes and let other cyclists (and cars) know you’re turning.
Trams
Keep an eye out for trams and their tracks. You don’t want your wheel in their tracks because you’ll fall, and you don’t want to crash in to the tram, so keep your eyes on trams as often as possible.
Traffic lights
Cyclists often follow a different set of traffic lights than cars do. Look for the ones with bike images and press the button next to it so it knows you’re there waiting for a green light.
Cycling Etiquette:
And last but not least, a funny instruction video from the city of Amsterdam about safe cycling: