BIKING CULTURE IN THE NETHERLANDS BIKE SAFETY Thanks to the prominent biking culture, the Dutch government has worked towards increasing bike safety throughout the years. The Netherlands is covered with bike lanes, or as the Dutch call them, 'fietspaden'. These bike lanes are usually coated in red asphalt and labelled by blue street signs, either with a bike symbol or with the word 'fietspad'. THE RULES OF BIKING As with everything in life, there are also rules for biking, and not following these rules can lead to potential fines. There are many bikes which all require space for parking. If you want to save yourself a fine, only park your bike at marked parking areas or in underground parking lots. The fine for parking your bike incorrectly usually amounts to €30. After having your bike removed from the incorrect parking spot, you will have to pick it up at a 'fietsdepot'. Furthermore, biking under the influence of alcohol can cost you up to €100, so next time you go for a night out think carefully whether biking is your best transportation option. If you are already biking during the night, do not forget to switch on your front and rear light. Not using lights can get you a fine of €55. Also, did you know that texting while biking does not just lead to you probably dropping your phone, but can also result in a fine of €95? Always remember; 'Don't text and drive' does not only apply to driving a car. After all, even the police bike around the city to patrol. PAGE 28
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