About a quarter of all trips in the Netherlands are made by bicycle, and if the distance is less than 7.5 kilometers, bicycles account for one-third of all trips. Of all bicycle journeys, 22% are work-related, while 41% are leisure activities. In terms of overall bicycle usage in Europe, the Netherlands leads with a rate of 27%, followed by Denmark at 19%.
With a network spanning 37,000 kilometers, bicycle paths cover a quarter of the total road mileage in the Netherlands. These paths take various forms and are commonly integrated into Dutch life: segregated cycle paths parallel to motor vehicle lanes, shared lanes for bicycles and motor vehicles, bicycle streets, dedicated cycle networks, bicycle expressways, and “suspended” bicycle roundabouts built above busy intersections.
Such cycling-friendly environments and infrastructure make cycling travel in the Netherlands a viable option. You can easily take your bicycle on trains, utilizing the extensive railway network that spans the country. The relatively small size and flat terrain of the Netherlands mean that cycling paths, like capillaries, penetrate every town and village, making cycling from one place to another a relatively easy and effortless task. Moreover, the majority of accommodations are cyclist-friendly.
Every city boasts a well-developed bicycle rental system, often conveniently located near train stations. You can easily rent a bike at a reasonable daily rate upon disembarking from the train and explore the city on two wheels. Of course, you can still rent bicycles in many small villages or national parks!
Thanks to the mature and comprehensive cycling conditions in the Netherlands, cycling here does not require extensive experience. Cycling travel allows you the freedom to explore different regions, effortlessly connecting cities and forests, just like every Dutch person does, with ease and relaxation.
With 12 provinces, each possessing its own unique characteristics, cycling through the diverse landscapes of forests, wetlands, dunes, coastlines, tidal flats, and islands allows you to experience the scenic beauty that is uniquely Dutch.
