Most road signs for cyclists that are used in Holland are universal and need no further explanation. However, some road signs for cyclists are specific to Holland, or might be used differently from what you're used to. What road signs for cyclists that you might not know are there? And what do they mean? Should you come across a road sign for cyclists that is unfamiliar to you, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we can add it to this list.

Road signs for cyclists - what do they mean?

Compulsory cycle path

This road sign is used in places where cyclists are not allowed to cycle on the road, but have to use the cycle path or cycle lane.

Optional cycle path

This road sign is used in places where cyclists can choose whether or not they want to use the cycle path.

fietspad = cycle path

Except for bicycles and mopeds

This road sign is used in combination with a variety of other road signs. Here the sign indicates that it's a one-way street for all vehicles except for bicycles and mopeds.

uitgezonderd = except for

Except for bicycles and mopeds

This road sign is used in combination with a variety of other road signs. Here the sign indicates that it's no entry in this direction for all vehicles except for bicycles and mopeds.

uitgezonderd = except for

Except for cyclists and mopeds

This road sign is used in combination with a variety of other road signs. Here the sign indicates that it's no through road for all vehicles except for cyclists and mopeds.

uitgezonderd = except for

No access for bicycles, mopeds and other slow vehicles

In Holland bicycles are never allowed on main roads. Cyclists are to use the separate cycle path running parallel to the main road. These are compulsory cycle paths.

Cyclists and moped riders must cross to the other side of the road

This road sign is used in combination with white stripes on the road which indicate where to cross.

(brom)fietsers oversteken = cyclists and moped riders must cross the road

Simultaneous green light for cyclists from all directions

This road sign is used at crossroads where cyclists from all directions get a green light at the same time. When crossing the road you need to look out for other cyclists, as you don't automatically have right of way.

tegelijk groen = simultaneously green

Cyclists are allowed to ignore the traffic lights and turn right

This road sign is used at crossroads where cyclists turning right don't have to wait for the lights to turn green. They do have to look out for pedestrians that might be crossing the road as they have right of way.

rechtsaf fietsers vrij = turning right free for cyclists

Bicycle street

This road sign indicates that a road is intended for bikes, but cars may use it as a guest.

fietsstraat, auto te gast = bicycle street, a car is a guest

No parking for bicycles and mopeds except in the bicycle racks

Bicycles and mopeds must be parked in the designated bicycle racks. Bikes that have been parked incorrectly may be removed.

uitgezonderd in de rekken of klemmen = except for in the bicycle racks

Secure bicycle parking

Bike theft is a problem in Holland. Leaving your bike in a secure bicycle parking place is a way of making sure your bike doesn't go missing. Usually you pay a small fee, but in this case it is gratis, or free of charge.

Place to recharge electric bicycles

If you have an electric bicycle that needs recharging, this is the sign to look out for.

Cycle path is not gritted

This road sign is used in places where the cycle path is not gritted or cleared of snow in winter.

wordt niet gestrooid = is not gritted

Also read:
Brochure on Road Traffic Signs and Regulations in the Netherlands (2013)

Road traffic signs and regulations in Holland

To find out more about road traffic signs and regulations in Holland, you can download this government brochure from 2013: Road Traffic Signs and Regulations in the Netherlands (PDF).