Cycling in Groningen

When you move to Groningen, or even when you’re here for a short time, people will tell you that you have to explore Groningen by bike. Did you know Groningen is THE BIKE CITY OF THE WORLD? Take a look at this funny movie. Now, not everyone learned how to ride a bike properly. And then there’s these strange traffic signs everywhere. This is HOW TO: Traffic Signs Explained

Traffic signs explained

We will explain the ones you see the most. Remember: using your mobile phone while cycling is just as dangerous as using your mobile phone while driving a car. There’s no sign for that (yet). Especially in the city centre, cyclists are known as the biggest threat (together with the big fat gray pidgeons), because they are everywhere and don’t really give a *** about the rules. But untill you’re just as experienced as the natural born Groningers, please pay attention.

Manditory bicycle path

You must cycle here, nowhere else. You’ll experience that lots of people ignore this sign completely. But still, it’s a rule, so you can get fined if you don’t follow the rule. (Just like ignoring a red light)

Roundabout

This sign will explain itself when you see it. There’s a roundabout, and you must follow the direction of the arrows, in order not to cause a major collision. Once you’re on the roundabout, you have priority to other road users. Whether they are coming onto the roundabout or leaving it. Always use your hand to show where you’re going. There’s nothing so awful as being shoveled by a car.

Cyclists prohibited

You can’t cycle here. For example, you find this sign in shopping streets. Sometimes there’s a time on the sign. It says at what time (for example 21h-7h) you are actually permitted to cycle there.

Green at the same time

This is an important one. If you’re waiting for a red light at a giant crossing and this sign is under the light for cyclists, be aware of the fact that when your light is green, it also is for the cyclists in all the other directions. BUT! BUT! When every light goes green at the same time, the rules of the white triangles on the ground (so called shark teeth) do not apply anymore. The people from the right always have priority. Just like it says on the sign.

Other rules in traffic

Apart from the signs, there are some rules you have to follow. You can ride next to each other, but never with more than two people at the same time. If you do, you might get hooted at, or worse, get in an accident.

Next, keep a bit of pace. The Dutch are always in a hurry, and if you’re cycling too slow, or you don’t anticipate to where you’re going, people will get agitated. But hey, we’re from Groningen! We’ll forgive you

(Left means looking over your left shoulder, put out your left hand, prefilter and then take the turn. Right means looking over your right shoulder, put out your right hand, prefilter and then take the turn.)

Use your hand

Do you need explaining of other signs? Please say so!

Or take a look here.