THE DO'S

✅ Stick to the fietspad: You must ride on the bike path. If there is a red bike lane next to the road you have to use it. This is not a suggestion, it is the law. If you ride on the road when there is a bike path you can get a fine, and a very Dutch look of disapproval.

✅ Use your lights: You need a light in the front and a red light in the back when it is dark or hard to see. (Psst: every Swapfiets bike has built-in lights)

✅ Signal every turn: Extend your arm clearly before turning left or right; a simple arm stretch with confidence does the job. Other cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians will thank you.

✅ Who goes first: At unmarked intersections, traffic coming from the right has priority. This applies to cyclists too. And always, always let the trams go first, they will not stop for you.

✅ Make sure your bike is in condition: Functional brakes, a working bell, and proper lights are required by law. An unfit bike isn't just a fine risk, it's a safety risk. With Swapfiets, maintenance is never your problem, as we offer unlimited swaps with your subscription.

THE DON'TS

🚫 No phone in hand:  Illegal since 2019. Fine: €100. If you need to navigate just put your phone on your handlebars.

🚫 No tipsy cycling: A night out is amazing, but please don't bike drunk. Getting caught with a blood alcohol level over 0.5 mg/ml will land you a steep fine, or worse, a very cold swim in a canal. Trust us, the local police are strict about this for a reason!

🚫 Stay off the pavement: The stoep is for walkers. Unless a sign says otherwise, stay on the bike lane or road. This is the number one mistake newcomers make. Not every street is open to cyclists Make sure you get familiarized with the signs Cycling road signs 

• Blue round sign with white bike → bikes allowed

• Bike with a red circle (C14/C15) → no bikes allowed, find another route 

🚫 Park it right: Stick to official bike racks. If you chain your bike to a random bridge or fence, the city will likely clip and tow it. Getting it back is expensive, time-consuming, and zero fun.

New to the Netherlands? Skip the hassle of buying and maintaining a bike.  Get your Swapfiets today.

Pro tips for riding like a local

🚲  Cross tram tracks at a 90-degree angle. If you cross at a slight angle, your wheel will get trapped in the rail and you will go down. Every time.

🚲  Avoid rush hour if you can. 08:00–09:00 and 17:00–18:00, the lanes are absolutely packed. Grab a coffee, wait it out, enjoy a smoother ride.

🚲  Keep right, pass left. slower riders take the right side of the lane. Overtaking happens on the left. Simple, but essential.

🚲 Parking your bike safely.  Look for the blue "P + bicycle" signs for safe, monitored parking. NS runs guarded facilities at every major train station first 24 hours free.