Page 59 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2016 - Amsterdam

Walks and Cycle Rides ❮❮ 57

Plantage
7 TOP 10 TIPS FOR CYCLING IN
With its distinguished villas,
tree-lined streets, parks and AMSTERDAM
gardens, Plantage (see pp126–9) is a
calm district to explore by bike (with
the exception of busy thoroughfare
Plantage Middenlaan).
Western Islands
8
Perhaps the most peaceful
part of Amsterdam in which to walk
or cycle lies to the north west of
Centraal Station. The islands of
Prinseneiland, Bickerseiland and
Realeneiland, together known as Cyclists in Amsterdam
the Western Islands, have a remote,
bracing quality, with well-worn 1 Stick to the Rules
boatyards and white drawbridges, Don’t copy the locals, who frequently
as well as modern housing (see p97). jump red lights and ride on pavements.
2 Stay in the Cycle Lanes
Amsterdamse Bos
9 Amsterdam has an excellent integrated
network of fietspaden (cycle lanes),
This attractive wooded park
south of the city is ideal for cyclists, with white lines, cycle signs and
dedicated traffic lights.
thanks to 48 km (30 miles) of cycle
path; those on foot have no less than 3 Cross Tramlines with Care
160 km (100 miles) of footpath to If you have to, cross tramlines at a
stroll along. Perfect for a family right angle to avoid your front wheel
getting stuck.
picnic outing (see p131).
4 Avoid Trams
They are bigger than you, and can’t be
steered; listen for their rattle and stay
well clear of the lines.
5 Watch for Pedestrians
It’s usually tourists who mistakenly
walk in cycle lanes; keep an eye out for
parked cars, too.
6 Give Priority
Watch out for trams as they get priority
over all other traffic.
7 Dismount at Busy Junctions
Unless you are really confident, it’s
better to negotiate these on foot.
8 Don’t Cycle Two-Abreast
It’s only allowed if you are not
obstructing the traffic; otherwise,
stay in single file.
9 Use Lights
By law, you must turn your lights on
Bridge over Brouwersgracht, Jordaan after dusk – you must also have
reflector bands on both wheels.
Jordaan
0 Ensure hire bicycles come with both.
10 Lock Your Bike
Start at Westerkerk (see p95),
perhaps climbing its tower for a Bicycle theft is rife. Make sure that you
always lock both front wheel and
bird’s-eye view of the area. Work frame to an immovable object.
your way north to pictur esque
Brouwersgracht (see p96).

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