How to get a Bike in Amsterdam - Everything you NEED TO KNOW!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2021
- Today's video will tell you everything you need to know about bikes in Amsterdam, including the best way to get a bike in Amsterdam. Starting with a brief history, all the different ways to acquire a bike, and some bike safety tips while in the city, including how not to get your bike stolen!
History of bikes in Amsterdam
Today there are more bikes in Amsterdam than people, but it almost wasn't this way. Between the '60s & '70s, the number of cars in the city quadrupled. City planners and engineers proposed multiple solutions to make Amsterdam more car-friendly, such as leveling buildings & filling in the infamous canals. Unsurprisingly there was significant opposition. Dutch road fatalities peaked in the '70s, triggering multiple protest groups to demand putting the breaks on cars, and the pedal to the bicycle. The government was forced to implement plans to make the city more appealing to cyclists with no other option.
Learn more about the history of bikes in Amsterdam here:
• How Amsterdam Became a...
Renting a bike
Now that you know a brief history of how Amsterdam bike culture came to be, let's talk about acquiring yourself one of these two-wheeled racers. When you walk out of Central Station, you'll see a plethora of bike rental facilities. Most of these places will rent out bikes for around €8-€10/day, which is perfect for short stays. If you are plan on staying for longer than a couple of days, it might sense to purchase a bike which we'll talk about shortly, or rent one from a long-term facility such as Swapfiets. Swapfiets is the most popular long-term bike rental company in Amsterdam, and it's no surprise with bikes starting at just €17/month +€20 deposit. Although a month is the shortest timeframe you can rent a bike, if you're staying a week or two, it could still make sense to get the bike and return it early. There are even some electric bikes that I highly recommend if you are feeling lazy and have a couple extra dollars to spend!
Buying a bike
Another option if you're planning on staying more than a couple of days is to buy a second-hand bike; I'd recommend walking over to the Waterlooplein Market, about a 15-minute walk from central. This local market has good deals on an assortment of goods, most importantly bikes! Walk down this market to find dozens of vans selling hundreds of bikes! You should attempt to negotiate with these vendors, but some have set prices and will not budge from them. The cost of second-hand bikes will vary but should be around €50-€200.
Buying a sketchy bike
There's also an alternative way to buy a bike that I can not endorse or recommend, but most locals have used this method a time or two in their lives, so we are going to talk about it. We call this method "the hobo bike," this is a bike you purchase from a hobo on the street. Usually, you can pick one of these up for €10-€30, but be advised they usually are stolen and could come with legal consequences, which is why I do not recommend or endorse using this method.
Safety
Regardless of how you acquire your bike, you need to be aware that Amsterdam is the bike theft capital of the world. Approximately 150-200 bicycles are stolen per day; with that being said, you need to make sure to lock your bike to a stationary object such as a pole or bike rack. Some bikes have tire locks that will lock the tire in place; while this will deter most opportunity theft, if you plan on being away for more than a couple of minutes, I would highly advise against relying on this method and make sure you chain your bike to a bike rack! If you rent a bike, companies will have policies for what to do if/when your bike is stolen. If you choose to use Swapfiet, they charge you a deductible ranging from €40-€200, depending on the bike type.
You will also notice that no one wears helmets while riding bikes. This is because Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in the world to cycle in; research shows a direct correlation between the number of cycles on the road and the number of accidents. Since so many bikes are on the road, cars/trams/people are forced to be extra aware and watch for cyclists. Still, be cautious while riding, and make sure to let other riders know where you are going by signaling with your hand before turning.
Disclaimer: There are a few specific recommendations within this video; these are my genuine recommendations from my own experience. None of these businesses have sponsored or paid me in any way.
I noticed you didn't mention the OV-fiets. At 4.45 euros per day they seem like a pretty good deal.
Good information Buddy keep ut up❤
holy shit what a find. 2nd time to the netherlands! lol so this trip I am renting and if the bike is poor I now know to go the flea market and purchase one to sell to anyone or give it away. huge!!!
Awesome video bro thank you!!
I’m glad you enjoyed!
Good to know! Definitely will need one when I come to visit
Yes you will, It's truly a cyclist paradise! :)
so helpful!! thanks :)
Ofc, ty for the support :)
Was there 4 3 months staying with a high school mate who'd moved there and setup a physio that was doing well. I bought a bike off a smacky on my 2nd day and was reprimanded by my friend and her friends who'd basically all had a bike stolen at some point. I spent the money i saved on a good lock and left it all for them hehe.
Hahaha I love this story, spent the money saved on a good lock clasic!
very good explanation!
Thank you
Great video.. what mic do you use
Swapfiet is a great idea but I would need to live in the Netherlands, the service is for the people who live there not the visitors.
video starts at 1:36
Thanks for chaptering it for me
Good video. Is there any app of used things?
I’m not sure what you're asking
How can i register used bike without papper prof
You don't need to register it
4:50 It's there already ;)
🤣🤣🤣
Keeping me on my toes
1 Bicycle is to move you from station to work from home to sport . that means We are in a hurry!
don't stop in the middle of the bike path (we drive a meter behind you) and
don't walk on the bike path We are in a hurry
Best regards
Frits from Amsterdam
Thank you for adding to the video :)
Is it possible to rent a bike with kid seat ?
Yes it is
Didn't know they have a name: Junky bike 😂
translate romanien
Wear a helmet
You actually don't need to wear a helmet in the Netherlands, it is one of the safest countries to cycle in the world.
In the shower, yes.