Learn to Ride a Bike in the Netherlands: Best Places for Students

Starting life in the Netherlands without a bike is like showing up to class without your laptop. The good news: you can learn quickly, no matter your age.

This guide lists the best places for students to learn to ride a bike in the Netherlands, plus search tips (in Dutch!) to find lessons near you.

City-by-city: good places to book lessons

Amsterdam

• Fietsersbond Amsterdam lessons: Budget-friendly group sessions; first lesson is a free trial. Great for absolute beginners. fietsersbond.amsterdam
• Koala Bike Lessons: Private, tailored lessons in English to get you confident on real streets. Koala Bike Lessons
• Tip: After a class, practice on the quiet lanes in Westerpark or early mornings in Amsterdamse Bos (north edges are calmer on weekdays).

Utrecht

• De FietsMeesters: City-backed program with multiple practice locations, very affordable, and they provide bikes. Ideal for students. 
• For self-study: Utrecht University’s short video series covers basics and local rules. Universiteit Utrecht
• Practice zones: Máxima Park or P+R car parks on Sunday mornings.

The Hague

• Municipal adult cycling lessons: Beginner and women-only groups available; focuses on balance, braking, signaling, and rules. The Hague
• Practice zones: the wide paths in Zuiderpark or the quieter edges of Scheveningse Bosjes.

Nijmegen (Radboud students, this is for you!)

• STEP Nijmegen: Structured 12-session course (group), includes traffic theory and on-bike practice. Step Nijmegen
• Fietsloket Nijmegen: Offers individual lessons and advice across Nijmegen and nearby towns, useful if you want 1:1 coaching. Fietsloket Nijmegen+1
• Local support & access: Nijmegen also invests in bikes/lessons for residents with low income; ask your student advisor if you might qualify for related schemes. NOS

What a beginner lesson usually covers

• Fit & balance: Adjusting saddle height, mounting/dismounting, scooting and gliding before pedaling.
• Control drills: Starting, stopping, braking, looking over your shoulder, and safe signaling.
• Rules & etiquette: Right of way, priority signs, using lights, bells, and how to ride on busy fietspaden.
• Road practice: Quiet lanes first, then simple intersections, then real city flow. (Most programs progress like this.) Holland Cycling

Quick options across the country

• Fietsersbond (Dutch Cyclists’ Union): Many local chapters run beginner classes and confidence sessions for adults, often at low cost and with loaner bikes. Start with your city’s Fietsersbond page or the national info page. fietsersbond.nl
• Municipal lessons (“fietsles”): City governments often fund adult cycling lessons, check your gemeente website.
• Community centres (wijkcentra): Many neighbourhood centres host affordable group courses, great for flexible schedules.

Still can't find one you like?

We got you! We prepared a list of key dutch words you can use on google to find the perfect class on your region. 

• Municipal “fietsles” (city-run cycling lessons)

Many Dutch municipalities (gemeenten) offer low-cost or free fietsles for adults, often via community centers (buurthuizen) or welfare organizations. These lessons are ideal for beginners and usually include traffic basics.

How to find: Search: “fietsles volwassenen [your city]”, “fietsles gemeente [city]”, or “fietsschool [city]”.
Examples of terms to try: fietsles volwassenen, fietsschool, fietslessen, fietscoach, buurthuis fietsles.

Good for: total beginners, budget options, group learning.

• Private bike schools (“fietsschool”) in major cities

In larger cities you’ll find professional bike schools with one-to-one lessons and small groups. Instructors often speak English and can meet you in a quiet park to start.

How to find: Search: “fietsschool [city] engels”, “bike lessons for adults [city] Netherlands”, “learn to cycle [city]”.

Good for: fast progress, flexible scheduling, confidence building.

• University & student sports centers

Many universities and student associations organize beginner cycling workshops, especially at the start of the academic year. Sports centers sometimes bundle bike skills + traffic rules and may even lend a bike.

How to find: Check your university sports center, international office, ESN chapter, or student union. Search your campus site for “fietsles”, “cycling workshop”, or “traffic rules Netherlands”.

Good for: meeting other students, student pricing, campus-friendly schedules.

• Community & NGO programs

Local NGOs, integration programs, and women’s groups frequently host adult cycling lessons in safe, supportive environments. While some programs target newcomers, students are often welcome.

How to find: Search: “fietsles volwassenen stichting [city]”, “fietsles vrouwen [city]”, “fietsmaatje [city]”, or check community Facebook groups.

Good for: supportive atmosphere, gradual learning, low cost.

•  Peer-to-peer learning (buddy programs)

Many cities have bike buddy (fietsmaatje) initiatives where volunteers help you practice. You can also ask classmates to be a “buddy” for a few sessions, just bring snacks and say thanks.

How to find: Search: “fietsmaatje [city]”, “bike buddy [city] Netherlands”, or post in your university Discord/WhatsApp groups.

Good for: flexible practice, zero/low cost, social.