Cycling
The Netherlands is cycling country. Bikes are also extremely popular in Amsterdam. There isn’t a city in the world where people cycle as much. About forty percent of all movements from one location to the next take place on a bicycle in Amsterdam! This makes sense, as there is no other method of transportation that allows you to travel through the city with so much ease.
Amsterdam cycling city
Foreign tourists may find it hard to believe, but for the true Amsterdam resident, cycling is the most logical method to travel from A to B. The 17th century city centre isn’t really suitable for cars.
The small streets and canals are most equipped for pedestrians, and cyclists. And if you add up all the cycling paths- with a total length of 400 kilometres- it is obvious that Amsterdam is a real cycling city.
Like a true Amsterdam resident
Almost every resident of Amsterdam owns a bicycle. The 750,000 residents of Amsterdam together own around 600,000 bicycles. The city is filled with bicycles: cyclist on their way to school and work, on their way to and from stores, bicycle couriers, police on bikes, pedalos and naturally tourists on bicycles. For tourist cycling is an attractive and adventurous way in to which to discover the city. A bicycle is often faster and cheaper than public transportation and allows for the easy combination of various activities. The funny thing is: there is a little bit of Amsterdam in every cycling tourist.
Bike rental
Bicycles can be rented in every part of the city. Especially near the Central Station, the Leidseplein and the Dam there are plenty of locations where you can rent a bicycle. Rental is often possible for a minimum of three hours a day, and the average day rental price is 8 euro. Aside from the regular city bikes there are many other types of bicycles for rent: touring bikes, tandems, children’s bicycles, and steps.
For longer distances a moped or a scooter can be the perfect solution. And naturally you can always discover the Amsterdam canals with a pedalos.
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Additional information on bike rental and addresses
Cycling Tours
Most bike rental corporations also offer cycling tours. An experienced guide gives an elaborate tour of the city and shows you the most beautiful places. There are also special theme tours, such a historic city trip, a tour in the Jordaan or picnic tour. Naturally, you can also discover the city on your own.
Many bike rental corporations and the VVV tourist offices also sell cycling guides and maps of Amsterdam and its surroundings. For example the cycle tour through Amsterdam South.
Tips how to cycle safely
After hiring your bike you should keep a couple of things in mind. Make sure you signal and be careful not to get your wheels stuck in tramlines. Also, follow any instructions from the vendor to only park and lock-up the bike in authorised locations. MacBike offers you a free multi-lingual leaflet on how to cycle safely through Amsterdam.
More practical information
The English website www.toamsterdam.nl gives you information on roadworks, rules of the road and route planning.
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