By bike

Rules on:

The bike itself
Right of way
Being on your way
Cycle lanes
Locking the bicycle
Other things worth mentioning

In all of Holland, there is almost one bike for every person (16 millions people, 13 million bikes). Pretty much every family has one, and probably two or more. You will quickly notice that the roadways are lined with bicycle lanes, complete with their own traffic lights and set of rules. The Dutch are serious about this cycling thing!

Bikes are used for everything. People ride in rain or shine, men ride in expensive suits to work, women learn to ride in skirts and high heels. There are all kinds of bicycles(some hold a couple of children in seats on the front and/or back, some fold up for easy carrying on the trains and storage at the office) and all sorts of hook ups and gadgets to transport whatever you want. the Dutch ingenuity with the bike may seem astounding to outsiders.

You will quite possibly be a little intimidated to venture out on your bike. It is wise to be cautious and learn the cycling rules first but if you take a little time to observe others you will learn quickly. Once you invest in a bike of your own, you will never want to be without one again!

A few rules will get you started on your quest for cycling proficiency.

The bike itself 

• By law, your bike must be equipped with lights both front and rear, and you must use them after dark. Bike shops and department stores sell detachable lights at a low price.
• Your bicycle must also have a bell that rings, a large rear reflector, brakes that work and side reflectors on the wheels.

Right of way

• All traffic coming from the right, including bikes, has priority if there are no road-markings indicating otherwise.
• A row of white triangles marked on the road, usually at the end of a street or at a crossroads, indicates that you must give way (even if you are coming from the right).
• Trams usually have right of way.
• Disabled people always have right of way.
• Pedestrians have right of way at a pedestrian's crossing (even if they have not stepped onto the street just yet).

On your way

• You must stop at red traffic lights. Amsterdammers are famous for ingoring this and other rules but don't be mislead by them; many crossings are not as safe than they may seem. Trams and taxis can suddenly pop up from unexpected directions.
• To change direction, clearly indicate this with your arm.
• Overtaking of other cyclists should be done on the left, all other traffic (ie cars, trams) is overtaken on the right.
• Use your bell to signal when you need someone in front of you to be aware of your presence. For example, if pedestrians have wandered onto the bike paths, or if a cyclist to too far to the left to allow you room to pass. Using your bell is not considered rude.

Cycle lanes

• Bike lanes run alongside the roads and may be red in colour, maybe there will be a white bike printed on the ground, and a blue round sign picturing a white bike.
• Keep to the right as far as possible on roads with no cycle lanes.
• Most of bike lanes are for one-way traffic.
• You can ride side by side with someone, but do not ride more than 2 across. Always be considerate of other riders using the same path.
• Cyclists are not allowed on the sidewalks.

Locking the bicycle

Keep your bike locked at all times as there are many many bike thieves out there. Particularly in Amsterdam, you probably will not find a person who has not had at least one stolen. Most all bikes come with a lock on the back wheel, but this is not sufficient. Invest in a heavy lock (the fvorite is the U-type lock); it will be worth the investment. At all train stations there are bike parks. These are useful for avoiding theft as well. Many also perform small maintenance.

Other things worth mentioning

Regular bikes aren't all that use the lanes. Mopeds use them as well, so be aware. At major intersections there are special traffic lights for cyclists. These are obvious as they are the shape of a bike that lights red or green.

The cycling rules are serious. Not abiding by them can get you pulled over by a policeman just as if you were in a car and you can incur expensive fines.

Wikipedia has more information on cycling in the Netherlands.

Sources: UvA website, Worldhum.com, Nuffic