Page 450 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - The Netherlands

448  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Cycling

The flat landscape of the Netherlands makes it a boon for
cyclists. At least 85 per cent of the population has a bicycle,
and there is no shortage of maps and guidebooks with
interesting cycling routes. You can use the LF-routes (see
p449) to plan your own daytrip or cycling holiday. Another
possibility is to take part in an organized cycle tour, where
you are awarded a souvenir medal at the end.
Guides showing cycling routes
Road Safety some 100 railway stations with can hire bicycles. The VVV and
The large number of cycle paths a Rijwielshop or Fietspoint. Cycle ANWB can also direct you to
and cycle lanes, often equipped hire usually costs around €7.50 cycle hire shops.
with traffic lights for cyclists, per day. Cycle hire shops also
make cycling in the Netherlands offer weekly tariffs that work
a safe and enjoyable activity. out relatively cheaper. Many of Security
However, it’s worth keeping a them require a deposit, which Even if your bicycle is
look-out for mopeds, which can range from €30 to €145, equipped with a rear-wheel
frequently make use of cycle and often want proof of lock, it’s a good idea – par-
paths. Cycling in the peaceful identity. Tandems are also ticularly in the big cities – to
countryside and cycling in sometimes available, though secure your bicycle to a post
the busy city are two quite they cost more, and their lack or a bicycle rack by the front
separate experiences. In of manoeuvrability does not wheel. Cycle hire shops will
Amsterdam particularly, the make them very suitable for often provide you with a lock
traffic is fairly chaotic – mostly use in city traffic. for the bike, especially in cities
because of the large number where bicycle theft is a
of cyclists, who tend to ignore problem. At many rail way
the traffic regulations. If you stations you can leave your
are unaccustomed to this, it’s bicycle in a secure bicycle
worth taking extra care. Front park for around €1. Do
and rear lights, a rear reflector Sign for the Rijwiel cycle hire shop, found not leave any luggage on
and reflective strips or reflective at nearly 100 railway stations your bicycle if you park it
circles are compulsory at night. somewhere, not even in a
Many cyclists ride without this If you are planning to make a guarded bicycle park.
equipment, often leaving them train journey and hire a cycle
almost invisible. from your destination, it is Bicycles and Public
worth buying a huurfietskaartje
(cycle hire ticket) when setting Transport
Cycle Hire out. It is a good idea to reserve For an additional payment you
There are plenty of cycle hire the bicycle by telephone in can take your bicycle on the
shops in the Netherlands. You advance. The NS publishes a train, except during rush hours
can either go to private cycle special pamphlet, Fiets en Trein, (Sep–Jun: 6:30–9am and 4:30–
hire places or hire a bike from which lists stations where you 6pm Mon–Fri). To do this, you
need to buy a Dagkaart fiets
(bike ticket) from a train or
metro station in addition to
your ordinary train ticket.
These tickets cost €6 and
are valid for the whole day
regardless of the length of
your journey. Places for bi-
cycles on trains are marked
with stickers on the carriage.
Folding cycles, when folded,
may be taken on trains free
of charge. Bicycles may be
taken on metros and
suburban (fast) trams,
provided that you have a
bike ticket, but they are
not allowed on bus es
An organized cycling tour on the Zaanse Schans and city trams.

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