Compulsory cycle path
A round blue sign with a white bicycle indicates a cycle path that cyclists must use where it applies.
Safety on Dutch cycle routes
Road signs for cyclists
Most signs are familiar, but several Dutch signs and supplementary plates affect where you ride, when you may proceed and where a bicycle can be parked.
Read the main sign together with any text or symbol on the plate below it.
Read the complete instruction
A sign, symbol and plate can work together
Dutch traffic signs generally use standard European shapes and colours. The details that visitors most often need to decode are cycle-path signs, bicycle exceptions and short Dutch phrases on supplementary plates.
Observe road markings, traffic lights and local conditions as well as the sign itself. Temporary signs and instructions from authorised personnel take priority over a general route plan.
Sign-by-sign guide
What common Dutch cycling signs mean
The illustrations simplify the essential shape, colour or wording. Always follow the actual roadside sign and any supplementary panel.
Optional cycle path
A rectangular sign marked fietspad identifies a cycle path that is not compulsory for ordinary bicycles.
fietspad = cycle pathExcept for bicycles
A bicycle symbol or an uitgezonderd plate creates an exception to the restriction above it. Depending on the main sign, cyclists may enter a one-way street from the opposite direction or pass a no-entry point.
uitgezonderd = except forThrough route for cyclists
A no-through-road sign with a bicycle opening indicates that motor traffic cannot pass through but cyclists can. It can point to a useful quieter connection.
No access for bicycles
A bicycle inside a red-bordered circle prohibits bicycles. Use the indicated parallel cycle route or another permitted road rather than continuing beyond the sign.
Cross to the other side
A plate reading (brom)fietsers oversteken, usually supported by road markings, directs cyclists and moped riders to cross at that point.
(brom)fietsers oversteken = cyclists and moped riders crossSimultaneous green for cyclists
Tegelijk groen means cyclists from several directions may receive green together. Cross carefully, watch for intersecting bicycle movements and do not assume another cyclist will yield.
tegelijk groen = simultaneously greenRight turn permitted for cyclists
A rechtsaf fietsers vrij sign lets cyclists turn right despite the traffic signal. Proceed cautiously and give way to pedestrians or other road users whose path you cross.
rechtsaf fietsers vrij = right turn free for cyclistsBicycle street
A fietsstraat is designed around bicycle traffic. Motor vehicles may be present as guests, so stay observant and ride predictably.
fietsstraat, auto te gast = bicycle street, cars are guestsNo bicycle parking
Parking restrictions may require bicycles to be placed only in racks or designated areas. Incorrectly parked bicycles can obstruct the route and may be removed.
uitgezonderd in de rekken of klemmen = except in the racks or standsElectric-bicycle charging
A bicycle and plug or lightning symbol identifies a charging point. Check the instructions and connector arrangement at the facility before leaving the bicycle unattended.
Cycle path not gritted
Wordt niet gestrooid warns that the path is not salted or gritted in winter. Treat the surface as potentially icy and select another route when conditions are unsafe.
wordt niet gestrooid = is not grittedDesignated or secure bicycle parking
Parking symbols point towards bicycle racks, supervised facilities or enclosed parking. Use the facility instructions and lock the frame and, where practical, a wheel to a fixed stand. See the guides to bicycle parking and bicycle theft prevention.
At a junction
Use a simple observation routine
- Reduce speed early enough to read the main sign and supplementary plate.
- Check cycle signals separately from signals for motor traffic.
- Look for road markings, shark teeth and crossing lines that clarify priority.
- Scan for pedestrians, mopeds and cyclists approaching from both directions.
- If uncertain, stop clear of the moving cycle lane before checking your route.
How we work
From unfamiliar sign to safe decision
Holland Cycling presents signs by the practical action a visiting rider needs to take, while keeping the roadside instruction central.
Identify the shape
Start with whether the sign is mandatory, prohibitory, informative or supplementary.
Read the plate
Look for bicycle symbols and short Dutch phrases that change who the rule applies to.
Check the junction
Combine the sign with signals, markings and the movement of other road users.
Proceed predictably
Signal clearly, allow space and pause safely if the instruction remains uncertain.
Common questions
Reading signs with confidence
Concise answers for situations visitors often meet on Dutch cycle routes.
Must I use every path marked with a bicycle?
No. A round blue sign normally marks a compulsory cycle path, while a rectangular fietspad sign identifies a non-compulsory path. Follow the sign actually present.
May I cycle against a one-way street?
Only where a bicycle symbol or supplementary exception explicitly permits it. Continue to watch for oncoming vehicles and limited space.
Does a green light give me priority over every cyclist?
No. At simultaneous-green junctions, cycling movements can intersect. Watch for other riders and cross carefully.
Can I always turn right at a red light?
No. It is permitted only where the relevant sign provides an exception for cyclists. Give way to pedestrians and other traffic you cross.
What does “auto te gast” mean?
It means cars are guests on a bicycle street. Motor vehicles can still be present, so ride predictably and remain alert.
What should I do if a cycle path is not gritted?
Assume ice may be present during freezing conditions. Slow down, avoid abrupt movements and choose another route if the surface is unsafe.
About this site
Practical guidance for independent riders
Holland Cycling organises route, navigation and safety information for people exploring the Netherlands by bicycle. This page is designed as an introduction to common signs rather than a complete legal catalogue.
Traffic arrangements can change. Follow current signs and authorised instructions encountered on the road.
Learn more about this siteSpot something that needs clarification?
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