Sam
Cycling in Holland with kids is a must if you are in Holland. Cycling in Holland is a delightful and family-friendly adventure, offering a unique way to explore the picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and vibrant cities. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover essential aspects of cycling with kids in the Netherlands, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for the entire family.
Cycling in Holland with Kids
Contents
Wearing Helmets
In the Netherlands, wearing helmets is not legally required for cyclists of any age, but it’s always a good idea to prioritize safety, especially when cycling with kids. While many locals may not wear helmets for short trips, consider providing helmets for your children to ensure their protection, especially if you plan to explore busier urban areas.
Cycle Lanes and Paths
Holland is renowned for its extensive network of cycle lanes and paths, making it one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world. When cycling with kids, stick to designated cycle lanes whenever possible. These lanes are well-maintained, clearly marked, and often separated from motorized traffic, providing a safe environment for family rides. I forgot to take pictures of them but from what we could tell the road sign with a bike in a blue circle is compulsory and the road signs that say “Fietspad” are optional. All bikes must have a bell, so make sure if you take your bikes that they have one fitted.
Roads
While cycling on roads is generally safe in the Netherlands, it’s essential to be aware of traffic rules and road etiquette. Dutch drivers are accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists, but exercise caution, especially in urban areas. Teach your kids about the importance of staying on the right side of the road and using hand signals when turning. If you do end up on the road, then make sure your little ones (if they are on their own bikes) are on the inside of you. This means you can grab them if needed and give them some protection from any cars.
Crossings
Pedestrian and cyclist crossings are common, and drivers are generally respectful of those using them. Teach your children to dismount and walk their bikes across busy intersections or pedestrian areas. The Dutch traffic culture prioritizes the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, but it’s crucial to remain vigilant. On some crossings, there are lights just for the cyclists. You press the button (as you would for crossing the road in the UK – green man), then when it turns green you can cross. If there isn’t crossing lights for the bikes then you wait until it is safe to cross and then cross. I just got off and walked across as I had the boys with us. When no lights for the bikes are there then you will usually have a give way sign for the cyclist. For roundabouts see below.
Parking For Bikes
Parking facilities for bicycles are abundant in Holland. Most towns and cities provide dedicated bike parking areas near train stations, shopping centers, and popular attractions. Teach your kids how to securely lock their bikes to designated racks, ensuring a stress-free experience when exploring on foot.
Roundabouts
Navigating roundabouts on bikes is a common occurrence in Holland. The rule of thumb is to follow the same road rules as cars. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout, signal your intentions clearly, and take the appropriate exit. Exercise caution and teach your kids the importance of communication through hand signals.
From what I could tell from where we cycled in Holland; the cyclists normally have right on way on the roundabouts when the cycle lane continues onto the road. The cycle paths/lanes are red in colour which continues across the roundabout. The roads have the stop/give way markings. However, as I had never really experienced this before I always slowed down on approaching the roundabouts. This meant I could wait for cars to signal to use to cross which for me is safer than just pulling out. All the locals on bikes I saw just continued at full speed.
There are a few good videos on the internet. Google “roundabouts in Holland video” and you will get a number of videos by Bicycle Dutch. These are great for visual understanding.
The Locals
Dutch locals are accustomed to sharing their roads with cyclists, and the majority are respectful and considerate. However, it’s essential to be mindful of cultural differences. Teach your kids to be polite, yield when necessary, and adhere to local cycling customs. A friendly nod or “Dank je wel” (Thank you) goes a long way in creating positive interactions.
Overall
Cycling in Holland with kids is a wonderful way to immerse your family in the Dutch culture and enjoy the country’s stunning landscapes. By following these guidelines, wearing helmets, utilizing cycle lanes, understanding road rules, and being respectful of local customs, your family can embark on a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure in the Netherlands. Pedal on, and create lasting memories exploring this bike-friendly haven with your loved ones! 🚴♂️🌷 Cycling in Holland with kids is great fun!
