Bikes and cycling
In Dutch: Fietsen en fietsen
As the Netherlands are predominantly flat, bicycling is the most popular method of transportation. Many city dwellers do not even feel the need to possess a car, as cycling is so convenient: it's cheap, fast and healthy.
As virtually every resident of the Netherlands owns at least one bike, we have more bikes than inhabitants. Bikes are used for to commute to work, do the shopping etc. People mostly use upright bikes, while racing bikes and so-called mountain bikes are used for leisure and sports.
The famous Dutch bicycle lanes ensure a safe and pleasant journey. There are cyling lanes within cities, in the countryside (in Dutch: platteland, meaning flatlands) and there is an 18-km fast cycling route between Arnhem and Nijmegen, making Lent and Elst very easily accessible by bike.
It is important to know traffic rules and regulations for cyclists and road signs for cyclists. To get a good impression, this video on riding a bike or a video on cycling in Nijmegen.
Cycling routes
There are several beautiful cycling routes in the Nijmegen area. When you want to go further, look at possibilities to explore the Netherlands by bike.
Locking your bike
Unfortunately bicycle theft is a big problem in the Netherlands, and especially in student cities like Nijmegen. So when you leave your bike anywhere, make sure you lock it properly!
Some tips:
- Use 2 locks: the standard factory-installed bicycle lock, and an extra separate U-shaped lock. Be sure to buy good quality locks.
- Put the second lock on your rear wheel, since your front wheel can easily be removed.
- Always attach your bike to an unmovable object, like a fence or pole.
- Use guarded bike parking facilities or park your bike in busy places.
- Don't leave your bike unattended overnight.
If your bike has been stolen, go to the police to file a theft report.
Bicycle shops
The shops below sell bikes second-hand (in Dutch: tweedehands) or new. They also offer bicycle repair services.
- Bike Totaal Jos van Hees (on campus): Geert Grooteplein 22, Nijmegen
- Bike Werk: Bloemerstraat 125, Nijmegen
- De Concurrent: Van Trieststraat 23, Nijmegen
- Evers Janssen Tweewielers: Kan. Pelsstraat 70, Nijmegen
- Rijwielboetiek Henk Geurts: Van Oldebarneveldstraat 77b, Nijmegen
- Wheels: St. Annastraat 42, Nijmegen
- Rijwielshop Station Nijmegen: Stationsplein 7, Nijmegen
Or buy a bike second-hand online from private parties and shops on Marktplaats.nl.
Rental bikes
- Swapfiets provides rental bikes at a monthly subscription. They deliver the bike to your home within two days for free and offer a free repair service. Monthly subscriptions start at € 16.50 for a classic Dutch bike or € 19.50 for a bike with 7 gears and handbrakes.
- OV fiets: You can rent a bike at the central train station with a season ticket linked to your personal OV chipcard. It costs € 3,85 per 24 hours.
Cycling lessons
If you would like to take bicycling lessons before venturing out on your own, there are several bike schools in the Nijmegen area:
Fietsloket provides cycling lessons in Nijmegen and the surrounding villages.They offer customized cycling lessons, depending on your personal needs.
STEP teaches adult cycling courses. They will teach you to cycle at your own pace in a safe environment. You will learn to ride a bike in practice and learn the rules of the road. The course consists of several group meetings and is being taught in several locations throughout Nijmegen.