Amsterdam is a city of cycling culture. Bicycles are driven much more than cars, so parking has more attention than parking in Amsterdam.
So people not only bike everywhere, they also park their bikes everywhere. Unfortunately, bicycle theft and vandalism are the real problem. Improper and unsafe bicycle parking can cause many problems….
So make use of guarded bicycle parking facilities as much as possible, as there are many in the center of Amsterdam.
THE PLACE TO LEAVE YOUR BIKE IN AMSTERDAM
You may park your bicycle anywhere as long as there are no signs that parking is prohibited and that your bicycle is not in the way of other people, but leaving it anywhere can result in damage, theft or fines.
Bicycle theft and vandalism are unfortunately common in the Netherlands. So watch carefully where you leave your bike and always lock it.
Amsterdam and the Netherlands, unlike many other European countries, have strict bicycle parking policies. Signs indicate where it is forbidden to leave a bicycle.
Watch for signs with Prohibited Bicycles and Places. In addition to the city signs for regulating bicycle parking, the municipality of Amsterdam has also regulated bicycle parking in parking zones – for example, around train stations – with the card “no parking outside planned facilities.”
The municipality of Amsterdam has its own sign for these zones with the text “No (moped) bicycles placed outside the bicycle facilities”.
Please remember the warning: Improperly parked and momentarily abandoned bicycles in a public city area may be removed by the police. To pick up your bike, you must go to the Bike Depot, where you must pay a fine for the violation.
BIKE THIEF
Bicycle theft is unfortunately common in the Netherlands. Hundreds of thousands of bicycles are stolen each year – especially in large cities.
Even though Amsterdam is quiet and a city of bike culture, whether you’re just stepping into the store or enjoying the refreshment on the terrace, leaving the bike unlocked is never an option. Anyone could grab your bike and go and be sure: someone is doing it.
Residents of Amsterdam certainly already know this, but if you are coming to Amsterdam from another city or from abroad and bringing your bike with you to Amsterdam, make sure you have good locks (preferably two) and use them at all times. Here are some top tips from the Dutch police to prevent bicycle theft.
GUARDED BICYCLE PARKING
For example, there are city and private parking spaces for bicycles. Bicycle theft is a real problem in the center of Amsterdam. Even if you have locked your bike properly, you may not find it when you return.
Especially if you have an expensive bike. The accident may be greater if you plan to spend your vacation using your own or rented bicycle. It is therefore mandatory to use one of the guarded bicycle racks.
In public parking lots It is not possible to reserve a space in advance.
The municipality of Amsterdam provides a guarded bicycle parking area that is free for the first 24 hours. After that, you pay a small fee. You can park for up to 28 days. The website of the municipality of Amsterdam contains an interactive map of bicycle parking in the center of Amsterdam.
There are also commercial guarded bike racks and garages that always charge a small fee.
Amsterdammers who do not have a safe place to leave their bikes at home are often given an annual pass for a guarded bicycle parking facility near their home. It turns out to be cheaper than constantly replacing stolen bikes!
Go to the Stalling Amsterdam website to find guarded bicycle parking near your home.
For more general information about parking your bike in the Netherlands, go to Bicycle Parking.
