Cycling facts & figures related to Amsterdam
Cycling is a huge part of everyday life in Amsterdam. For many locals, the bike is not just a fun way to explore the city, but one of the most practical ways to get around. To give you a better idea of just how important cycling is in Amsterdam, we’ve collected some of the most interesting facts and figures below.
- Amsterdam once had more bicycles than inhabitants. The last available official estimate counted 904,203 bicycles in Amsterdam, compared with 844,952 inhabitants at the start of 2017. This figure is now outdated, but still shows how deeply cycling is rooted in Amsterdam culture.
- More than 700,000 bicycle trips are made in Amsterdam every day. This makes the bicycle one of the most important means of getting around the city.
- In 2022, one in three trips made by Amsterdammers was by bike. Cycling is not just popular with tourists; it is part of everyday life for local residents.
- Amsterdam’s cycling scene is becoming increasingly electric. During bicycle counts on several Amsterdam cycle paths in 2023, 20% to 30% of the bicycles counted were e-bikes. Another recent cycling survey found that 19% of participating cyclists were riding an electric bike.
- E-bikes are changing the pace on Amsterdam’s cycle paths. Speed measurements show that e-bikes are generally faster than regular bikes, which is one reason Amsterdam is looking at ways to improve safety and reduce speed differences on busy cycle paths.
- Almost half of Amsterdammers cycled to work in 2024. Among residents who work within Amsterdam, more than half used a bicycle for at least part of their commute.
- Amsterdam Central Station has around 11,000 bicycle parking spaces in two large underwater facilities. The Stationsplein bicycle parking facility has space for around 7,000 bicycles, while the IJboulevard facility has space for another 4,000.
- Amsterdam has far fewer private cars than you might expect. At the beginning of 2023, there were almost 220,000 privately owned passenger cars in the city, equal to around 0.4 cars per household.
| Number of bicycles in Amsterdam |
904,203 bicycles in the last available estimate from 2017. This data is no longer updated because bicycle ownership is no longer measured in the current ODiN mobility survey. |
| Daily bicycle trips |
More than 700,000 bicycle trips per day. |
| Share of local trips by bike |
In 2022, one in three trips made by Amsterdammers was by bike. |
| Electric bikes in Amsterdam |
Bicycle counts in 2023 suggest that around 20% to 30% of bicycles on selected Amsterdam cycle paths were e-bikes. In a 2023 cycling survey, 19% of participating cyclists were riding an electric bike. |
| Bike use for commuting |
Almost half of Amsterdammers cycled to work in 2024. Among residents working within Amsterdam, 56% used a bike for at least part of their commute. |
| Number of private cars |
Almost 220,000 privately owned passenger cars at the beginning of 2023. |
| Cars per household |
Amsterdam had around 0.4 cars per household, the lowest average of all Dutch municipalities. |
| Bicycle parking at Amsterdam Central Station |
Around 11,000 spaces in the two large underwater bicycle parking facilities: approximately 7,000 at Stationsplein and 4,000 at IJboulevard. |
| Amsterdam as a cycling city |
Cyclists gave Amsterdam an average score of 7.3 in the 2023 cycling satisfaction monitor. |
* The estimate of 904,203 bicycles dates back to 2017. Amsterdam’s Monitor Fiets 2023 still lists this as the last available estimate and explains that bicycle ownership is no longer measured in the current ODiN mobility survey. This means there is no newer official figure for the total number of bicycles in Amsterdam.
Bike theft in Amsterdam
With so many bicycles in the city, bike theft is unfortunately also common. Always lock your bike properly, preferably with two locks, and attach it to a fixed object when possible. This is especially important around train stations, busy squares and nightlife areas.
Recent figures based on police data show that Amsterdam remains one of the Dutch hotspots for reported bicycle theft. In 2024, roughly 10,800 bike thefts were reported in the city. The actual number is probably much higher because not everyone reports a stolen bike to the police. Also, keep in mind that a missing bike has not always been stolen; in Amsterdam, wrongly parked or abandoned bicycles may also be removed by the municipality and taken to the bicycle depot.
Video impression of cycling in Amsterdam
Watching the video below (almost) can’t be skipped, to be prepared for your biking experience in Amsterdam. With many thanks to the Dutch Survival Guide for creating the video below! It provides an impression of what cycling in Amsterdam is.
Note: some parts in the video are of course a bit gushy. In addition, it depends on where you cycle in Amsterdam. It’s definitely not everywhere in the city very crowded.
Bike rental Amsterdam
Renting a bike in Amsterdam is the fastest way to get around in the city. The entire city has bike lanes that are specifically designed to get safe around in the city. Well known bike stores are Yellow Bike and Mac Bike. There are also a view smaller bike rental shops around the city.
Check out the bike rental page for more information on renting bikes in Amsterdam.
Tips for renting a bike
- Longer rental periods make better prices
- Insurance is not abligatory, but might be wise to have
- Some bike rental companies also offer to bring the bikes to you accommodation
- In high season June till August , we highly recommend making a reservation, to avoid dissapointments
Cycling in Amsterdam
For foreign visitors it is sometimes incomprehensible, but cycling is the most logical way for true Amsterdam locals to get from point A to B. The 17th-century city center of Amsterdam is in fact poorly geared to cars. The narrow streets and canals are especially suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. Add to that all cycle paths — with a total length of 400 kilometers — and it may be clear that Amsterdam is a real cycling city.
Like a true Amsterdammer
Almost every Amsterdammer has a bicycle. The 750,000 inhabitants of Amsterdam together have around 600,000 bicycles. The city is therefore full of it: cyclists on their way to school and work, shopping cyclists, bicycle couriers, police on bicycles, cargo cyclists, delivery cyclists, pedal cyclists and of course tourists on bicycles.
For tourists, the bicycle is an attractive and adventurous way to explore the city and surroundings. The bicycle is often faster and cheaper than public transport and moreover you can easily combine different activities. And funny is: on the bike every tourist suddenly feels a bit like an Amsterdammer.
Tips for cycling in Amsterdam as a tourist
- Take others into account and give each other the space
- Always stop at zebra crossings
- Park neatly
- Follow traffic rules
- No use of mobile phones while cycling
- Lights on in the evenings or at night
- Always signal when making a turn
Cycling safe in Amsterdam
Ridding a bike in Amsterdam is a serieus deal. It can be experienced as hectic. Take a look at the points below to ensure yourself to remain safe. These are the basic rules and the most important things to keep in mind.
Don’t worry be happy! According to research of the local government of Amsterdam 84 % of the people rate cycling in Amsterdam as very enjoyable.
| Ttay on the bike paths. Most bike lanes have a white bicycle image on it. Lastly, many cycling paths can be recognized by the red asphalt. |
| Stick to the traffic rules, only cycle on the bike paths. Obey traffic lights, respect the traffic controllers. |
| Use your hand as an indicator. Signal other traffic where you’re going. |
| Use your eyes and ears to prevent dangerous situations. |
| Be curious towards other traffic. Especially scooters and taxi’s are often in a hurry. In addition, trucks have a blind spot, avoid this position. |
| Make sure your bike has proper lights for the nights. Front and back lights are mandatory. |
| Be careful with the tram tracks. Try to cross them at an angle. Be cautious when wet, they can get slippery. |
| Avoiding rush hour is strongly advised for inexperienced cyclists. Rush hour is between 08:00 and 10:00 or 17:00 and 19:00. Bike paths are crowded and cyclists in a rush. |
| Always lock your bike or it will stolen. Make sure you to use a chain lock, so you can attach your bike. A bike rack is the best place to leave your bike. |
| Many locals don’t obey traffic rules, by crossing the red light or cycling on footpaths etc. We cycle every day in Amsterdam and it’s a common thing to see. Our advice for tourists: ‘don’t do as the locals do, but stick to traffic rules to stay safe and keep others safe!’ |
Places to avoid while cycling in Amsterdam
Due to the Netherlands – and therefore Amsterdam – being a real cycling country, it is always busy with cyclists around and in the city. Amsterdammers also prefer to avoid some places because cycling is not pleasant due to the amount of people and traffic. If you are going on a bike tour on your own, you naturally would also like to avoid these roads, so that you can enjoy Amsterdam to the maximum without too much stress.
We have listed 3 places for you to avoid during your bike ride:
- Spuistraat and Kalverstraat – not only are these busy streets prohibited for cyclists as they are pedestrian areas, but they’re also very crowded and difficult to navigate when walking with your bike. Therefore, avoid these streets and use the parallel streets instead.
- Red Light District – just like the aforementioned streets, the Red Light area tends to get really crowded, especially at night. Therefore, leave your bike if you want to visit!
- Leidsestraat – this street leading from Leidseplein to Koningsplein is a pedestrian area, therefore avoid riding your bike here. Apart from getting fined, the middle of the street has a tram track where your wheels will easily get stuck when riding parallel to it.
