If you've read the part 1 of this article then you know that the 13th rule was to follow the red light right?
Bikers have their own traffic lights in the Netherlands. They also have their own lanes on the road.
Bike or cycle paths
Bike paths in the Netherlands are mostly red and is either marked on the left side with either a broken or straight white line and a white bike.
This red cycle path with a white broken lines in the middle is not meant for any cars - as you can see on the given road sign - it's for bikes. Scooters and other traffics except cars may use that though.
Smart cars that look like this are allowed to use this, though.
This cycle path is found on narrow roads. It indicates that drivers may use it to avoid oncoming traffic as long as there is no biker on it.
Roundabouts have designated bike paths. If there's a cyclist on the cycle path, let him pass through - that's the rule. Always, check cyclists on cycle paths both to your left and right on roundabouts.
Crossing the road on bike? Cross on the red lane normally found beside the pedestrian lane. Make sure to look to your left and to your right to make sure there's no car coming.
Scared to cross the road on the bike? Get off it and walk with your bike on the pedestrian lane.
Never bike on the tram rail with a tram on sight. It's not allowed! Stay on the right side of the road and cross only bicycle crossings.
Traffic lights for cyclist
You'll find most of the traffic lights on bike paths on main roads. Next to it is a stop light for bikes. You wouldn't be confused because they are just before you and normally leveled to your head. You don't have to look up those usual traffic lights for the cars on the road. Bikes would lit green, orange and red on that bicycle traffic light.
There's a button to push to activate those cyclist traffic lights. It's normally on a yellow ring like this just under the post where the bicycle lights are . Push it before you cross the road. Wait till the bike on the traffic light turns green. Look to your left or to your right to make sure no other traffic's coming.
If you don't find any button, it's possible that the cycle path you are on has sensors on it. Surely, you would see a bicycle traffic light that says WACHT - which as you guess - means WAIT. Tiny lights are usually found around it that turns off one by one and once all of them are dimmed - you may cross the road on your bike. Again, make sure to look to your left and to your right.
Want to bike and take the bike on a bus, a tram or the train?
Yes, that's allowed here but then have a folding bike.
Where to rent a bike in Amsterdam? Below are some sites you could rent a bike and get a biking map to tour the city. Some even have a cycling tour guide.
Lost a bike?
1.Call the Bike Depot at 14 020. If your bike has been taken there - you can have it back but you'll have to pay a certain fee.
- Dial 0900 88 44 and report your missing bike on the police hotline.
- Limited phone balance? File a report of your missing bike on www.politie.nl/aangifte
The traffic rule in the Netherlands in a nutshell:
Bring no one in danger on the road.
Hinder no one on the road.
Safety first.
And so bike safely ;)