Cycling is quick, cheap, and easy. It’s good for both your health and the environment (a bit of cardio before class is never a bad thing!). Cycle paths allow you to reach places you wouldn’t have been able to with a car. In Enschede, cycling is a lot more relaxed compared to the bigger cities on the other side of the country. Roads are peaceful (except during rush hour), and the city’s infrastructure is extremely friendly towards cyclists. I’ve never encountered any kind of road rage whatsoever. Just make sure to cycle behind your friends during the morning and you’ll be golden.
Keywords and signs in Dutch traffic
You will probably encounter road signs during your time cycling. These signs are pretty similar to other road signs, so you’ll probably already be familiar with what they mean. However, there are a couple of words that may confuse you if your Dutch isn’t up to speed, so here are a few of those words and their meanings.
- Fietspad = cycle path. Used in places where it is mandatory to bike on a cycle path.
- Uitgezonderd = except for. Typically used in combination with different road signs. If it’s below an arrow, it means that it’s a one-way street for all vehicles except for bicycles and mopeds. If it’s coupled with a red sign with a straight horizontal line, it indicates that no vehicles are allowed to enter except for bicycles and mopeds. If it’s below a T-looking blue sign, no vehicles except for bicycles and mopeds may go through the road (usually a dirt road).
- (Brom)fietsers oversteken = cyclists and moped riders must cross the road. Typically used in combination with white stripes on the road. These stripes indicate where to cross.
- Tegelijk groen = simultaneously green. Watch out when crossing the road, as the light turns green for all bicycle paths.
- Rechstaf fietsers vrij = turning to the right is allowed for cyclists. Usually used in combination with stoplights.
DO I need a helmet?
Helmets for cyclists are not compulsory in the Netherlands. Of course, it’s a lot safer to wear a helmet (you can never be too safe, they say), but most people don’t. The people who do wear helmets (children, mountain bikers, racers) do so of their own or their parents’ choice.
Where to get a bicycle in Enschede
Enschede has a lot of second-hand bike shops, which is where most students go. Cheap options in Enschede include GOT_BIKE, Different Bikes, and Broekhuis Fietsen, to name a few. Renting a bike is also an option. Swapfiets in Enschede offers a bike rental programme. Renting a Swapfiets can also be cheaper, at least for the first few months, and it doesn’t give you the stress of finding a bike while you get settled. A strange benefit of renting a Swapfiets is the fact that their bikes come with a bright blue front tyre, discouraging bike thieves (more on this later). However, it’s also good to know that the running joke here is that your bike will be ‘swapped’ or flipped when parked, as it is a ‘Swapfiets’.
Owning a bicycle can also be a burden – bike theft is among the most common crimes in the Netherlands. It’s important to have a good wheel and chain lock with your bike and to park it responsibly. Be careful during the winter, though – the days become notoriously cold and rainy, and your bike lock may freeze as a result.
In my own opinion, there’s nothing wrong with owning a nice bike, so long as you take care of it. As far as I know, no one’s ever tried to steal my bike, and it’s a nice-looking city bike.
How to prepare for bad weather
The Netherlands is infamous for its terrible weather, especially during the colder months. It’s a vicious cycle of rain, snow and rain again, and if you’re lucky, you get the sun for a couple of days before the cycle restarts. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in a true waterproof jacket and, while it may look silly, waterproof pants. A waterproof bag cover is also a good idea, or just a waterproof bag in general.
There’s a popular European saying that you’ll probably hear a lot from your fellow peers: ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes’. In the Netherlands, people really take that to heart and don’t complain (much) about the weather, even if they’re cycling. Always try to look for a jacket with a hoodie, as the rain can and will get all over your face and make it hard to see.
Most importantly, remember to cycle carefully and responsibly, and you’ll find that Enschede is much smaller than it already seems. Still prefer public transport? Then check out our guide on how to get around in the Netherlands!
