Is it allowed in Amsterdam to give a ride on bicycle to another person

Is it allowed in Amsterdam to give a ride on bicycle to another person - Man Riding a Bike Under the Bridge

Lastly I've discovered that there is an action in Amsterdam to give a ride on single man bicycle to another person (strangers, actually): Yellow Backie: Amsterdam Style Hitchhiking. But I started to wonder: is it allowed to do that in Amsterdam?

Note: I'm asking how people in Amsterdam look at it, not about its legality.



Best Answer

Most people in the Netherlands think it is common to see two people on a single bike, and when kids are involved even three or more.

The back rack has to be the sturdy kind but many or even most bikes in the city have that kind of strong rack.

Dutch law used to have rules for how big the passenger may be in comparison to the rider, but that is seen as for kids only, so it is the bigger (and likely older) kid doing the cycling and the smaller one being passenger.
Adults are seen as able to judge whether the weight distribution is getting dagerous and should know when not to offer/take a ride on the rack. Current rules seem to require a formal seat and rests for the feet, but I have not found official rules yet.
Even a search on internet does not give clear information, this blog post from A View from the Cycle Path has a few lines that seem to proof it is allowed in the Netherlands, more in the negative that it is not allowed on other countries.
This cycle information in the Nethelands page shows that kids under the age of 8 can only be transported when in a safe seat.

  • Fietsers mogen alleen kinderen onder de 8 jaar vervoeren als zij op veilige zitplaats zitten.

I met two girls both traveling Europe, one from the USA and the other from Canada, the USA girl had been in Amsterdam and told her new friend, who was on her way to Amsterdam, that she had to accept a ride on the back of a bike, once. (And not more often as it is not the most comfortable transport.)
I have had my one time as kid.

As a foot note, it is so common to see people carried on the back of a bike in Amsterdam that visitors, either short term or long term, will often show it in their photo series, like in this blog entry in Amsterdamize
This is a two minute video which explains (and tries to teach) how to hop on the back of a bike.




Pictures about "Is it allowed in Amsterdam to give a ride on bicycle to another person"

Is it allowed in Amsterdam to give a ride on bicycle to another person - Full body of female in shorts and top sitting on roadside in rural field with bicycle near and enjoying fresh air with eyes closed
Is it allowed in Amsterdam to give a ride on bicycle to another person - Photo of Woman Riding Bicycle
Is it allowed in Amsterdam to give a ride on bicycle to another person - Man Riding Bicycle on Off-road



Do people share bikes in Amsterdam?

A multi-million Euro transportation schemeThe City of Amsterdam will receive \u20ac1.2 million, which be used to install and promote e-hubs where shared bikes will be offered. The project will last three years and take place across seven cities in five countries with the support of multiple partners.

Can two people ride on a bicycle?

To ride a bike with two people, have one person sit behind the other with their rear on the seat, and their feet on the rear axles. In order to take off, the front person should put their foot on the pedal and gently push off. Remember to keep the bike as straight as possible, or takeoff will be nearly impossible.

Can you just take a bike in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world and the majority of its citizens have spent their lives on two wheels since they were infants. Thanks to the many bike paths in the city, pedal power is all you need to uncover the city's gems on your own, or as part of a guided bike tour.

Can cyclists carry passengers?

Highway Code, Rules for Cyclists: 68 You MUST NOT carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one. Now you can cycle with confidence and awareness for the highway code. Know your rights as a cyclist and make sure others do too!



Tips for riding a bike in Amsterdam




More answers regarding is it allowed in Amsterdam to give a ride on bicycle to another person

Answer 2

It depends on the bike. When the bike is designed to transport multiple persons safely, it can carry multiple persons. The most common examples are children's seats on adult's bikes.

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