Amsterdam Cycling Rules: 6 Essential Safety Tips for Visitors

1. Introduction: Is Amsterdam the Most "Dangerous" City in the World for a Cyclist?

Amsterdam can feel surprisingly "dangerous," not because of crime or dark alleys, but because of the complexity and intensity of its urban flow. Within a single city block, pedestrians must navigate pavements, dedicated red-dyed asphalt bike lanes, car lanes, and tram tracks—all running parallel in a fast-moving, carefully choreographed ballet. The constant interaction between cyclists, trams, cars, and pedestrians creates an environment that demands attention and quick awareness at every step.

There are more than 800,000 bikes in the city whose population is about the same size. For the locals, a bike is not only a sportive means to entertain themselves – it is a transport. For strangers, it seems that the whole flow is dancing a heart-stopping "Amsterdam handshake". Here, we would like to share our tips about the rules of traffic that should help you avoid common mistakes. We used our traffic analyses and observations in order to identify six main facts.

2. Fact One: Forget What You Have Learnt about Priority in Traffic

First of all, it is important to clarify that Amsterdam has its own peculiarities when it comes to a hierarchy of roads and pedestrians. In general, pedestrians occupy the highest priority place in most major cities. However, in Amsterdam, you should be aware of the following priority order that is obligatory to follow:

1) Emergency services.

2) Trams.

3) Commercial vehicles (often sharing tram tracks).

4) Bikes.

5) Cars.

6) Pedestrians.

This is not just about the norms of the social life, it is a law! Here, a bike lane is a kind of a traffic road, not a pavement. And don't forget about the following advice of the locals:

"Bikes take priority over pedestrians. It is very important to keep in mind this point. If there is a collision between a bike and a pedestrian in a bike lane, the latter bears the fault".

 

3. Fact Two: Decoding Shark Teeth and Stay Right Rule

Amsterdam's roads use a lot of specific signals for directing pedestrians and traffic. The key marking, which is very important for a bike rider, is called the haaientanden (shark teeth). The technical aspect to pay attention to: the pointy sides of shark teeth always face the traffic flow of the vehicle whose owner has priority.

When it comes to an intersection where no special signs are placed, you should always yield to right. The second important point to know about Amsterdam traffic is the "Stay right" rule, which allows the locals to make the traffic flow so harmonious. You need to drive always in the right lane in order to let faster drivers overtake you. It is safer not to ride hesitatingly – keep moving and make eye contacts with those around you, because any sudden brake will cause an accident.

 

4. Fact Three: Be Careful Crossing Bridges and Making Sharp Turns

There are two elements on which tourists often trip while using bike lanes in Amsterdam: tram rails and heavy lorries. In this city of narrow bridges and turns, they represent a significant hazard.

- Crossing tram rails in Amsterdam is risky because your bike wheels can get stuck in them. That is why you should cross these tracks at an acute angle (right or steep).

- Amsterdam lorries (trucks) create a blind spot when turning right at 90 degrees. If a driver cannot see the traffic flow properly, a car accident becomes inevitable.

Pro Tip: Do not stop or stay near the lorries while waiting for green light. There are too many blind spots created by such vehicles. So, if you happen to be next to a lorry, you become invisible for a moment. The consequences of a mistake can be terrible!

 

5. Fact Four: The Netherlands' Anti-theft Strategy

As a popular destination for cyclists, Amsterdam has an alarming rate of bicycles theft. Every year, there are more than 50,000 bikes stolen and between 12,000 and 15,000 thrown in canals. To protect your rental from this fate, you should lock it. First of all, apply a "double-lock" method including two locks:

- Wheel/frame lock.

- Chain lock with at least two shackles that should fasten your bike and an immovable object (bike parking, for instance).

There is another useful tip to follow if you want to avoid having your bike stolen. It consists in making it ugly: you can draw a bright design or hang kitsch plastic flowers on it. It helps you prevent theft because the bike thieves prefer to steal standard bikes that look like the one you will be riding.

 

6. Fact Five: Do Not Imitate Locals (They Will Fool You!)

You will observe Amsterdamians who seem to do everything effortlessly: talk on the phone, ignore red lights, etc. But do not follow the example of the locals. Despite the skills they possess, strangers are considered to be the main objects for enforcing traffic regulations. Using mobile phones while driving a bike can cost you €95 fine.

Prohibited Local Habits:

- Using a mobile phone while driving (to avoid the problem, pull over).

- Ignoring the lights (follow the instructions of both).

• Paying attention to Yellow plates (they are mopeds/scooters, which are also very fast and can damage your handlebars).

 

7. Fact Six: The Difference between a Stadsfiets and a Bakfiets

In case you choose a rental bike type "Stadsfiets" (the City Bike), be ready to practice driving it. The thing is that it is designed to use in an upright position, but it has backpedal brakes and lacks gear. Therefore, you'd better spend a couple of hours practising driving this bike in Vondelpark.

You'll also find cargo bikes (Bakfiets) interesting. These heavy-looking machines are surprisingly manoeuvrable and are the best embodiment of Dutch practicality. In order to feel like a true Amsterdamian, learn such useful terminology:

- Fiets (bicycle).

- Fietspad (bicycle path).

- Slot (lock).

- Fietsenmaker (a bike repairman).

• Fietsbel (a bicycle bell; a quick warning signal).

 

Conclusion

Cycling in Amsterdam is not easy, but it is extremely pleasant. The "code" of the city makes this hectic flow work. With the help of this code, after 20 minutes away from the city centre, you'll leave all that madness and find yourself in suburban or even country landscapes.

The trick is to switch your mind from being an observer to becoming a part of the urban flow. Understanding the priority order and Shark Teeth markings will help you become familiar with the code. In Amsterdam, where bicycles reign over other transport types, are you ready to join the flow yourself?