I don’t own a car, and I thrive on bicycling, walking and public transportation as my means of travel. It keeps me fit and in touch with my surroundings much more than if I were in a car.
I tell you this because it means I’m comfortable either biking or walking in cities. If you do not bicycle regularly, I recommend doing some pre-excursion biking.
Amsterdam isn’t a small city but having a bike makes is super easy to navigate and change your mind any time. You can hook onto a canal-side street and go from one end of the city to the other on bike in under 30 minutes, enjoying the city as you float past.
If you’re new to biking, don’t let that stop you from joining the locals in the pleasurable bike lane. Just practice being comfortable on bike for a couple of months.
Please pay attention when the person renting you the bike gives you the lecture of how to lock the bike. Your bike will be stolen if you do not do the double lock method. To make things easier for you, I’ve made a short film of an Amsterdammer demonstrating how to lock the bike properly.
I tell you this because it means I’m comfortable either biking or walking in cities. If you do not bicycle regularly, I recommend doing some pre-excursion biking.
Amsterdam isn’t a small city but having a bike makes is super easy to navigate and change your mind any time. You can hook onto a canal-side street and go from one end of the city to the other on bike in under 30 minutes, enjoying the city as you float past.
If you’re new to biking, don’t let that stop you from joining the locals in the pleasurable bike lane. Just practice being comfortable on bike for a couple of months.
Please pay attention when the person renting you the bike gives you the lecture of how to lock the bike. Your bike will be stolen if you do not do the double lock method. To make things easier for you, I’ve made a short film of an Amsterdammer demonstrating how to lock the bike properly.
Renting a Bike in Amsterdam
My top choice for getting around the city is to rent a bike. I also buy a several-ride pass for the tram, for when I arrive and depart the city, and for the rare non-bike excursion.
I rent from De Baron Feitsen at Overtoom 45. They’re great and I’ve never had a problem.
The bikes are bright orange but I didn’t mind that. A companion of mine rejected the bike that screamed ‘tourist!’ He got a much less conspicuous bike and was happier with that.
I think it’s a good thing that people see you coming from afar. It’s useful to give others fair warning that you may not know all the rules of the biking road.
Check out this listing to find a bike rental shop near your lodging.
Safety and biking
I have had fabulous juju while biking in Amsterdam. Part of that may be that I feel most at home on a bike or in bed. It’s in my nature to ride and I pay attention to the world around me enough to not crash.
Have notebook, pen, must bike!
I have learned how to flow with the rhythm in Amsterdam but rather than write an article about how to be safe in Amsterdam on bike, I’ll refer you to this wonderful About.com article on Amsterdam bicycle safety.
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