Netherlands rules of the road for avid expat cyclists

If you’re heading for the expat life in the Netherlands and are keen on green transportation, you’ll be in cycling heaven, but breaking the self-propelled two-wheeler rules of the road can be costly.

The Netherlands is a very, very flat and occasionally concave country, perfect for cycling as the economical, environmentally-friendly way to get from A to B. Bicycle lanes offer safely, even on rural roads, but there’s a long list of to-dos and don’t-dos as well as a unique etiquette which must be followed unless you’re prepared to risk a fine.

The first, obvious rule is that cycling on footpaths is forbidden, as is riding your bike on any other pavement designed for pedestrians. Taking shortcuts via footpaths is the easiest way to get a fine, although the many who do are convinced, wrongly, that they won’t be caught. A number of pedestrianised streets do allow cyclists during designated times, but you’ll need to remember which streets and which times in order not to be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time!

Another must-do involves obeying traffic lights – the ones controlling cyclists are smaller but must be obeyed. One tricky rule involves cyclists wishing to turn right at a red light-controlled intersection. At certain junctions you’re allowed to do this, thus turning right against the red traffic light indicating all other traffic must stop. However, pedestrians also have the right of way, so keeping alert is crucial. If cycling at night, you must have a yellow or white light at the front and a red light at the back, but the lights can legally be attached to your clothes rather than on your bike. Reflectors are compulsory on the rear of the bike and its pedals, and yellow or white reflective tyres are a must.

Cycling whilst under the influence is an absolute no-no resulting in a 100 euro fine, the same penalty paid by drivers if caught. If you’ve been cycling dangerously, you’ll pay more. Fines are also levied on cyclists who don’t indicate when turning right or left, as well as on those who don’t have a warning bell on their bike. Wearing a helmet isn’t compulsory, neither is giving a friend a lift on the back, and you can cycle two abreast whilst using your mobile phone! With all these regulations aimed at keeping cyclists safe, those with poor memories might be wiser to stick to public transport or hail a cab!