The cycling game

The complicated rules of cycling in Amsterdam
In my previous post I left the question of why all bikes move slowly in Amsterdam for later. Now I will try to answer it, by explaining how to ride a bike in Amsterdam, as it was a game.

The cycling game rulebook
Before you start
To begin the game you must acquire a bike.

This is an 'orange bike', which means it is from the most famous rental agency. It drives like most bikes in Amsterdam, so if you get one of these you are well prepared for the game.

Goal
To win the game you must get safely from A to B. For additional style points you must look good while completing the main goal.

As an example I will show you my route to work.

It starts in Banne Buiksloot in the North and ends by Keizersgracht in the center. The estimated duration of the game is 40 minutes.

How to play

The game starts by you unlocking both locks on the bike. Then you get on top of it and start the engine by moving your feet in a circular motion on the pedals. If you have start-problems (common for people on rental bikes), use your legs more forcefully. Continue the motion to maintain speed and stop the motion to brake.

Where you can ride

You are allowed to cycle on sidewalks, in bike lanes and on roads.

You may travel in any direction on sidewalks, but take care to avoid pedestrians.

Bike lanes are usually made with a line in the middle indicating that it is a bi-directional bike lane, but the indication is superfluous as all bike lanes are in fact bi-directional.

Travelling in the left side of roads is not recommended, so if you find yourself in such a position it is usually better to cross the street. 

This is an example of a bike lane. It is separated from the street by a sidewalk, to minimize the risk of bikes crossing the street at inconvenient times.

When you meet other players

Other players fall into three categories: No threat, Moderate threat and Severe threat

No threat: Scooters, cars and busses are in this category, because they will always stop for you. They all have good acceleration and good brakes, so they don't mind stopping much. If you meet while you are crossing a red light, most of them will indicate their disapproval though.

Moderate threat: Trams, Taxis and bikes are in this category, because they will only sometimes stop for you. When they travel at high speeds, they do not like to stop, as it will take time to accelerate back up to that speed again.

Severe threat: Racing bicycles are in this category. These are the fastest players in the game and they do not brake unless seriously threatened.

Watch out!: Pedestrians are out of category, because they are even more dangerous than severe threat. Pedestrians will expect you to stop for them in any situation. They will not orient themselves before crossing streets and they can change direction and speed very quickly. The most dangerous type of pedestrian is the tourist, which can usually be recognized by their constant impressed facial expression.

Style points

If all players safely get to their destinations, the winner is determined through accumulation of the collected style points on the trip.

Getting style points

You get style points by looking cool, while you ride. Here are some examples of how to gain style points:

- Think ahead and overtake others by being taking a faster route, extra points if the others notice that you took a shortcut.

- Stopping for pedestrians, who are waiting to cross the street (natives of Amsterdam score many points on this one)

- If you are a boy: Look effortless, when driving uphill (will only happen near canal bridges)

- If you are a girl: Drive a Pink Vespa wearing dark sunglasses

Losing style points

Here are some examples of how to lose style points:

- If you obey a red light, when there are no players crossing from the other direction. Lights are only supposed to be respected by cars, busses, trams and tourists

- Failing to start your bike (see solution to this problem in the 'how to play' section)

- Blocking the path for other players, without having a valid reason

- Being overtaken by old ladies (Always happens to me)

- Panting and sweating

Good luck

This is my take on travelling by bicycle in Amsterdam. As you may have noticed, the main goal is safety and it is therefore advisable to cycle slowly. This will give you a better chance of avoiding danger and it will come naturally to you, when you notice how heavy your bike is.

Drive safely!