Support us

BicycleNetherlands

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Netherlands

83. Bicycle

A bicycle is a vehicle with two or more wheels that is primarily propelled by the rider using pedals or hand cranks. Bicycles are used for transport, recreation, sport and the carriage of small loads or passengers when appropriately equipped.

Some bicycles have an electric motor that assists the rider while pedalling. Whether an electrically assisted bicycle remains legally classified as a bicycle depends on its motor power, assistance speed and local regulations. Cyclists must follow the traffic rules, signs, signals and road-use requirements that apply to bicycles.

Bicycle racks at the train station Steinhausen, side view with details of how the bike pedal fits the slot to hold the bike.
Wikimedia.org • Datendelphin • CC0
What is a bicycle?

A bicycle is a wheeled vehicle primarily propelled by the rider using pedals or hand cranks.

Is an electric bicycle still a bicycle?

It can be. Electrically assisted bicycles that remain within specified power and assistance-speed limits are commonly treated as bicycles. Faster or more powerful vehicles may be classified differently.

Where should cyclists ride?

Cyclists should use cycle paths, cycle lanes or the roadway according to the local traffic rules and signs. The required position varies between countries and road types.

Must cyclists use a cycle path?

This depends on the country and type of cycle facility. Some cycle paths are compulsory, while others are optional.

Do bicycles need lights?

Yes, when required by local law. Bicycles commonly need a white or yellow light at the front and a red light at the rear during darkness or poor visibility.

Do bicycles need brakes?

Yes. A bicycle used on public roads must have an effective braking system appropriate to its design and local technical requirements.

Is a bicycle helmet compulsory?

This varies between countries. Some require helmets for all cyclists or particular age groups, while others recommend helmets without making them compulsory.

Can a bicycle carry a passenger?

Yes, where the bicycle is appropriately equipped and local law permits it. A passenger should use a proper seat and any other required safety equipment.

Can cyclists ride side by side?

This depends on local law and the road conditions. Many countries allow two cyclists to ride beside each other in certain circumstances but require single-file riding when necessary for safety or traffic flow.

Is someone walking a bicycle still a cyclist?

In many traffic systems, a person who dismounts and walks the bicycle by hand is treated as a pedestrian. The exact legal definition depends on local law.

1 Netherlands 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Slope 12 Bus stop 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Priority road 18 Railway crossing 19 School area 20 Overtaking 21 Crossing animals 22 Roadworks 23 Weight limit 24 Radar speed sign 25 Selective barriers 26 Low-emission zone 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Traffic lights warning 30 Road markings 31 Speed feedback 32 Traffic mirror 33 Emergency telephone 34 Cycling route 35 Parking 36 No parking 37 No stopping 38 Park and ride 39 Kiss and ride 40 Parking disc 41 Disabled parking 42 Traffic management 43 Merging 44 Reversing 45 Uncontrolled crossroad 46 Advisory cycle lane 47 Rush-hour lane 48 Emergency exit 49 Oversize load 50 City limit 51 Parking zone 52 Axle weight limit 53 Licence plate 54 Charging station 55 Dangers 56 Equestrian trail 57 Cyclist 58 Truck 59 Bus 60 Police 61 Ambulance 62 Bicycle parking station 63 Tram lights 64 European emission standard 65 Pothole 66 Path 67 Particulates 68 Air pollution 69 Rush hour 70 Road code 71 Street gutter 72 Cargo bike 73 Forestry vehicle 74 Construction vehicle 75 Semi-trailer truck 76 Trolleybus 77 Speed pedelec 78 Delivery vehicle 79 Idling 80 Tow truck 81 Four-wheel drive 82 No vehicles 83 Bicycle 84 Motorcycle equipment 85 Rail track 86 Caravan 87 Trailer 88 Tow hitch 89 Fire truck 90 Siren 91 Convoy 92 Emergency vehicle lighting 93 Agricultural machinery 94 Electric bicycle 95 Electric vehicle 96 Pedelec 97 Quadricycle 98 Microcar 99 All-terrain vehicle 100 Van ...