There are a few things to be aware of in NL. If the road is red, then cyclists generally have priority. Saying that, traffic from the right also has priority, which feels alien when you’re cycling along a ‘main’ road but have to stop for something pulling out of a junction. Keep an eye out for ‘haaientanden’ on the ground. Literally ‘sharks’ teeth’ although in reality they’re just white triangles. Think of them as give way signs on the ground and you won’t go wrong.
Cycle paths are great, but go with the direction of traffic. That is to say, if there’s a cycle path on both sides of the road, treat it like an extension of the road. You wouldn’t drive the wrong way along the inside lane of a dual carriageway. Don’t do it on the cycle paths. Same deal for roundabouts. Unbelievably, you get the occasional idiot trying to ride the wrong way round a roundabout to make the third exit the first and save literal seconds. It’s become a sort of urban myth that in NL the car driver is at fault regardless. It’s not true – one of the most common causes of bicycle related deaths here is typically boomers or teenagers playing these stupid games and winning these stupid prizes. Under Dutch law their estate is liable for the damage.
If there’s a cycle path, use it. Also, NL is fantastic to cycle in as long as you’re not a fanny. One thing that might shock you is the close passes on mixed use roads, though. You’ll probably be tempted to thump the side of the first car that does it to you, and you will be able to. However, it’s really not the same as over there – the speed differential will be a few kmh at best and soon enough it won’t feel any different from being passed by another cyclist.
Watch out for Cantas, although you’ll hear them well before you see them.
