The bike is the most convenient way to visit Amsterdam. But how to rent a bike, and where?
When people call Amsterdam "the world bike capital", they don't joke. With some 600,000 bikes, almost all residents in a row each day, and many people have more than one. The bike is certainly the most popular means of transport in and around the city and can be an excellent way to move quickly for visit Amsterdam . Regardless of the weather, the locals are riding a bike in Amsterdam all year round!
The small streets and canals in Amsterdam are not really suitable for cars, but are perfect for bicycles and pedestrians, making Amsterdam a big city to explore on foot or by bike. If you are interested in visiting the city by bike, we give you all the information to find out where rent a bike in Amsterdam .
Rent a bike to visit Amsterdam on two wheels
If you're ready to rent a bike in Amsterdam, it's pretty easy to find a bike shop on site, just look for a shop with the word "fiet" (velo) on its sign. Most are in English, and you were listed the rental agencies below in the article. Many bike rental shops are located near the Amsterdam-Central Station, Leidseplein Square and Dam Square.
Photo credit: Flickr – zapdelight
Bicycle shops will rent bikes for a minimum of 3 hours, although the most common rental is the day. The average price is around 8-10 € per day rental (if you stay for a week or more, even consider buying a used bike).
When you rent a bike, you deposit a deposit, and you can take optional insurance, which will cover the cost of the bike if it is stolen. Most bike shops require in the event of the flight that you file a complaint in a police station, and return the keys to the anti-theft to prove that you had actually attached the bike. If you have not taken insurance and/or do not return the keys, you will have to pay the bike price. Given the high number of bicycle flights each year (officially 90,000 flights per year, but estimates range from 500,000 to one million per year ), it is better to pay a little more for additional insurance.
Photo credit: Flickr – Steve Broomhall
Some tips before renting a bike in Amsterdam
The bike is the most convenient way to explore Amsterdam: no problem to find a parking space and finish traffic jams! In addition, bicycles are available for rent in all areas of the city. However, you must consider a number of rules:
- When you want to turn left, you have to give priority to all other vehicles and indicate by a hand sign your intention to turn left.
- Be careful not to take the wheel of your bike in the groove formed by the tram rails. You may lose control of your bike and make a serious fall.
- There are roads, bike paths, and sidewalks, so that everyone stays in their respective paths, but you still need to be careful.
- Cyclists don’t wear helmets, so make sure you respect traffic lights and panels to reduce the risk of accidents. The helmet is still advised.
- If you are lost, stop, get off your bike and get on the edge of the track before watching a card or smartphone.
- Always attach your bike to an area intended for this purpose.
- Try to rent a bike that is black or blue, so that it melts in the mass. Indeed, a "flashy" bike can mean to a thief that it is a rental bike. Prefer frequented areas to reduce flight risk.
- If your tire is flat, take your bike to any bike store (fietsenmaker) or ask another cyclist for a pump (fietspomp).
Guided tour of Amsterdam by bike
Many bike rental shops offer guided cycling tours of Amsterdam, which can be a good way to discover the city. You can also book in advance your guided tour by bike directly to an online agency.
But it can also restrict your "freedom" on site, as you will have to follow your guide...
Where to rent a bike in Amsterdam?
You can either book your bike rental online , or take care of it on site thanks to the list of rental agency addresses below:
The official site of the city I Amsterdam also gives a list of agencies to rent a bike.
Main photo credit: Flickr – Ronel Reyes
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