RESOURCES/LINKS RELATED
TO BICYCLING IN THE NETHERLANDS
www.fietsberaad.org or www.bicyclecouncil.org (center of expertise on bicycle policy in the Netherlands, a ‘knowledge institute’ with masses of information – also in English – and even a virtual visit to the Netherlands.)
www.amsterdam.nl/verkeer_vervoer/fiets or www.fiets.amsterdam.nl (for news and assistance related to cycling in Amsterdam)
www.amsterdam.nl/verkeer_vervoer/fiets/fietsdepot (to retrieve stolen/lost/abandoned bikes in Amsterdam)
www.toamsterdam.nl (all about transportation, including cycling in Amsterdam)
www.nsfiets.nl (information about taking your bicycle on the Dutch trains; for general train information, see www.ns.nl; for international train travel from the Netherlands to other European destinations, see www.NSHispeed.nl)
www.vvv.nl (national tourist information office, with plenty of advice on cycling routes, including those through the tulip fields and dunes)
www.crow.nl (national knowledge platform for infrastructure, traffic, transportation and public spaces – ‘making knowledge applicable in practice.’
www.swov.nl (organization for traffic safety research)
www.anwb.nl/fietsen (national motoring/touring organization, similar to AAA in the United States, with plenty of cycling – and walking – information, including routes and maps, and even a cyclists’ weather forecast)
www.velorama.nl (Velorama National Bicycle Museum, in Nijmegen, with an impressive collection of 250 vintage bicycles, including one from 1817 with no pedals)
www.fietspad.nl (hundreds of biking routes)
www.fietsersbond.nl (Dutch association and interest group for cyclists in the Netherlands, with a national office and 120 local departments; also offers safe cycling lessons by arrangement)
www.ov-fiets.nl (for fast access, public transport bikes at some 200 user destinations; subscriptions currently cost €9.50 per year. Upon returning the bicycle, the key is scanned, and the rental price of €2.85 euros per twenty hours is automatically deducted.)
www.ecf.com (European Cyclists’ Federation)
www.eurovelo.org (a vast network of 12 European cycling routes; Euro-Velo map available)
www.oudefiets.nl (a good history of the Dutch bicycle and various models)
www.meimaandfietsmaand.nl (May is bicycle month in Holland; a slew of activities and events are posted)
www.fietsen.123.nl (popular site for bicycle enthusiasts, with routes, news, agendas, tips and much more, including more than 100 bicycle shops listed for towns throughout Holland)
www.fietsactief.nl (Dutch magazine all about cycling in Holland)
www.fiets.amsterdam.nl (everything you need to know about cycling services and news for Amsterdam)
www.workcycles.nl and www.workcycles.com (great selection of utility bicycles, and more, run by American entrepreneur, Henry Cutler; see also his blog: www.bakfiets-en-meer.nl)
www.bikeleague.org (League of American Bicyclists focused on ‘advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America’)
www.holland.com, and the American edition www.holland.com/us (Netherlands Board of Tourism site; see ‘Discover Holland/Active/Cycling)
www.vriendenopdefiets.nl (for a list of very inexpensive B&Bs catering to cyclists (maximum €17/night at this time), check out this ‘Friends on the Bike’ website. Reservations required 24 hours in advance. Membership, currently at €9, is all that’s required to have access to the ‘address book.’ Packed lunches also available at a very low cost, i.e. €4. At some addresses, a dinner is even available for a mere €8.)
www.heresholland.com (the quintessential guide to travel and life in Holland – for all 12 provinces; great for planning all those cycling holidays)
www.xpat.nl or www.hollandhandbook.nl (general information about Holland)
www.1-2bike.eu (the next generation public bike system)