As a general rule of thumb, always, ALWAYS lock your bike . Even if you’re “just” going inside somewhere for a couple minutes to buy a pack of gum. There are many things you can do to protect your property and to discourage theft: › Don’t buy a stolen bike.
Is bike theft common in Amsterdam?
Bike theft is the most common crime in Amsterdam , with more than 8,000 reported stolen so far this year, according to an analysis of police crime figures by broadcaster RTL Nieuws and quoted by AT5.
Is a bike lock necessary?
Don’t leave your bike unlocked.
But there are plenty of places outside of major cities where there’s (usually) no real need to lock a bike . If you’ve forgotten your lock or your keys and you absolutely must run into the grocery store, you still have options.
Can you just take a bike in Amsterdam?
And with up to 400 kilometres of bicycle paths leading just about everywhere in town, it’s no wonder that Amsterdam is a true cycling city. Renting a bike or taking a guided cycle tour is a great way to discover the city and can be quite an adventure!
How common is bike theft in Netherlands?
2019 saw fewer bikes stolen
Their report cites figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), showing that in 2019 466.560 people in the Netherlands fell victim to bike theft . In 2016, there were 645.240 victims. The researchers estimate the financial cost of bike thefts is around 600 million euros per year.
How do I avoid getting my bike stolen in the Netherlands?
Contact the police by phone (0900 8844) or you can fill in a police report online . Only when you submit a police report will your bike be added to the stolen bicycle registry that’s maintained by the Dutch police. You also need the police report for insurance reasons.
How can I lock my bike without a lock?
- Use your helmet. When you park your bike, use your helmet’s straps to block the rear wheel from turning. ...
- Put in the highest gear. Before parking the bike, leave the highest gear on. ...
- Drop your chain. ...
- Park Uphill. ...
- Take your front wheel’s quick release out.
Where to put your U lock when riding?
With that said you may be wondering, “Where do I put my bike lock while riding?” The best places to put your bike lock while riding are either inside a backpack, inside a pannier, on your person, or attached to your bike frame .
Do you need 2 bike locks?
The most secure way to lock your bike is with two locks . And ideally to a bike rack that’s cemented into the ground. The first lock should go around the back wheel, the frame and the bike rack. The second should go around the front wheel, the frame and preferably the bike rack as well.
What happens if you buy a stolen bike in Amsterdam?
Buying a stolen bike is illegal in the Netherlands, and all stolen bikes are entered into a register . Enter the make and frame number here to see if a bike was previously reported stolen, and you could save yourself a hefty fine. Most expats will deal with bicycle theft at some point during their stay here.
How do I find my stolen bike in Amsterdam?
You can search the Stolen Bicycles Register (in Dutch) on the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) website . If someone has reported the bicycle stolen, it will automatically appear in the register.
How many bikes are stolen in the Netherlands?
Last year 466,560 Netherlands residents had their bikes stolen , compared to 645,240 victims in 2016. Bureau Beke based its study on figures from Statistics Netherlands, price estimates, and conversations with experts. Only about 20 percent of stolen bikes are reported as such.
Is biking in Amsterdam safe?
Amsterdam’s 400 km (249 miles) of bike lanes and paths (fietspaden) make city cycling safe . They usually run along the right sides of streets.
Do cyclists in Amsterdam wear helmets?
In Amsterdam, adults don’t wear helmets while riding city bikes – they don’t even consider it an option. Helmets are mainly worn by tourists and expats, whom the Dutch regard with bemusement, even ridicule.
Why do the Dutch ride bikes?
Riding a bike all over the city to classes, the shops, out to dinner or to work is neither considered exercise nor a chore for the Dutch. Cycling is a mode of transport and the Dutch will often ride their bikes to the gym or to play sports and then ride home! I happen to find the cycling to be exercise enough . 8.
What happens if Swapfiets is stolen?
A Swapfiets car will come to your aid. And if your swapfiets is stolen, you do have to pay but you’ll immediately receive your next bike , ridding you of the hassle of looking for another bike yourself.
Are all bike locks breakable?
But the ugly truth is, every lock can be hacked , and every bike can be stolen. This does not mean that all bikes are equally theft-prone, and we’ll get to the most powerful theft-prevention later. We’ve sorted theft types and prevention methods below from least effective (and most common!) to most effective.
How do I protect my bike from theft?
- Two Wheeler Thefts are More Common than You Think. ...
- Ways to Prevent Bike Thefts:
- Lock your steering lock. ...
- Use more than one lock. ...
- Buy high-quality locks and chains. ...
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit location. ...
- Be alert. ...
- How a Two-Wheeler Insurance Safeguards You against Thefts.
How do you use a Dutch bike lock?
- You have two keys, store one in a safe place in case you lose the first key.
- The key stays in the lock while you ride your bike.
- To lock it: flip the key back gently. ...
- If the lock is closed, the key flips back to it’s original position and you can pull it out gently.
Are you allowed to lock your bike anywhere?
Never lock your bike to a security fence around condos, businesses, or anywhere else in the city . Many business owners will not appreciate having cyclists using their iron security fence as a way to lock their bikes. If the fence is damaged while your bike is attached to it, you’ll likely be held liable.
How can I secure my bike without a rack?
- Secure both the frame and wheel. Having your frame and wheel still intact to your bike may encourage burglars to steal it. ...
- Hide your bike. ...
- Take the chain off the rear gears. ...
- Remove the quick-release off the front wheel. ...
- Bring the bike seat with you. ...
- Bring the front wheel with you.
How can I lock my bike at home?
How do you carry things on a bike?
Rack. Bicycle racks are perhaps the most utilitarian accessory for your bicycle and will help you carry even more things . The most common type attaches to the back of your bicycle over the rear wheel, but you can also attach them to your seat post or the front of your bicycle.
