Built for Bikes
Amsterdam, after all, was not built for cars - the 17th-century inner city was built for pedestrians and the narrow streets and canals do not allow for a smooth flow of cars, let alone sufficient parking space. The city is flat and compact and the maximum distance in the inner city approximately five kilometres - an ideal distance to cross by bike. For this reason, some forty per cent of all traffic movements in Amsterdam is by bicycle. This is far more than in other Northern-European cities. No wonder that the 750,000 people who live in Amsterdam own no less than approximately 600,000 bicycles.

Designed for Bikes
Amsterdam has been a great city for bikes since the end of the 19th century. As elsewhere, the bike became less popular as the popularity of the car grew. In Amsterdam, however, the bicycle came back with a vengeance and is used extensively. In the city’s battle to limit the use of cars, the city council has even developed an extensive bike stimulation programme. An extensive network of safe, fast and comfortable bicycle routes has been developed, the road safety of cyclists has been increased, a theft-prevention programme was set up, the number of bicycle sheds was increased, etc.

Try it Out
The bicycle offers foreign guests, and less experienced cyclists, an adventurous way to explore the city and surroundings. There are special bicycle routes, guided cycle tours and, of course, several bike rental shops.

Cycling in Amsterdam (2004)

Cycles	circa 600,000
Pedal boats	120
Bicycle paths	400 km
Two-way traffic bicycle paths	250 km
One-way bicycle paths	150 km
Cycle shops	140
Guarded cycle sheds	25
Best-known Amsterdam cyclist	Gerrie Kneteman

Dedicated bicycle co-ordinator
Amsterdam has a dedicated bicycle co-ordinator who co-ordinates the city’s bicycle policy. The co-ordinator is the contact person for the government, provincial authorities and local councils, also acting as consultant to the Cyclists’ Association and as information point.

Contact
Do you want to know more about Cycling in Amsterdam? Send an email to info@ivv.amsterdam.nl