The Netherlands: a country known for many things, namely its flat lands, canals, and BIKES. Groningen, located in the north of the country and the capital of Groningen province, is a bustling student city with multiple universities, a great night life, and all the charm of your typical Dutch city with plenty of international students as well. Most importantly, however, at an average 1.3 bikes per person, Groningen is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities and cycling is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to get around town.
Because biking in Groningen is an absolute necessity, I have compiled a list of things that everybody should know before spending a semester in the city.
- LOCK YOUR BIKE. YES, LOCK IT EVERY SINGLE TIME. TWICE.
While Groningen is an extremely safe city, the most common crime is absolutely, 100%, bike theft. There’s a common saying among anybody living in the city: “Get a cheap bike and an expensive lock.” If and when you buy (or rent!) a bike, you are going to want it to have both a wheel lock and a chain lock. Most bike rentals will come with both, and using two locks is a great way to ensure that you won’t have an hour-long walk home from the city center after class or after a night out.
- MAKE SURE YOUR LIGHTS WORK, OR BE PREPARED TO PAY FOR IT.
Dutch cycling laws mandate cyclists use a yellow or white front light and a red back light with a reflector after dark. If you do not turn your lights on, the police can stop you and fine you 55 euros per light! If you have lights built into your bike, it’s always a good idea to buy some extra clip-ons to keep in your backpack or purse just in case your batteries die in either light.
- DO NOT TEXT AND BIKE. YOU ALSO DON’T WANT TO PAY FOR THIS.
Cycling laws also prohibit holding your phone while cycling. Even if you are not actively using your phone, you can be fined 90 euros for just holding it while on your bike. If you need to stop to look for directions, pull over or invest in a phone holder for your handlebars.
- DO NOT PARK ON THE RED CARPET!
If you see red carpet, especially in commercial areas, do not park your bike on it! There will always be a bike rack, parking bloc, or group of parked bikes nearby. If you park on the red carpet, your bike can be confiscated and sold by the city, and nobody wants that!
- ALWAYS GIVE A SIGNAL!
Signaling on your bike is extremely easy! If you’re going to turn, just point to the direction in which your turning and go. This can be the difference between biking safely and getting hit by the bus. I wish I was kidding.
As you can see, biking is one of the most eco-friendly and cheapest ways to get around Groningen, but it’s important to know the rules so you don’t end up losing your bike or a month’s worth of grocery money!