A clear explanation of all rules for the bicycle path — exactly what you need to know for your theory exam.
The bicycle path is that narrow, often red strip at the side of the road. It is specifically intended for slow-moving traffic such as cyclists and snorfietsers (low-speed mopeds). The idea is simple: everyone who uses it should be able to move safely and calmly alongside car traffic without getting in each other’s way. But who is allowed to use the bicycle path and what rules apply? In this article I’ll make sure you learn everything there is to know about the bicycle path.
Usually you’ll see a picture of a normal bicycle on the bicycle path. That means cyclists must ride there. But did you know that snorfietsen (blue license plate) are also required to ride there? Snorfietsen fall under the bicycle symbol. So if a snorfietser sees a bicycle symbol, that rule applies to them as well.
A moped (yellow license plate) may not automatically ride on the bicycle path. Bicycles and snorfietsen travel at about 25 km/h, while a moped can go up to 45 km/h. That’s why a moped has a separate symbol (see the sign).
In most cases, a moped must ride on the roadway. But if you see the blue sign with the moped symbol at the bicycle path, then a moped is required to use the bicycle path.
A speed pedelec follows the same rules as a moped. A speed pedelec usually rides on the roadway. But if you see the sign with the moped symbol, then the speed pedelec — just like the moped — is required to use the bicycle path.
You might be wondering: what about a brommobiel? A brommobiel looks a bit like a small car.
A brommobiel falls into the motor vehicle category, just like a car. Because it is a motor vehicle, it may never use the bicycle path. A brommobiel must always use the roadway, just like cars. The maximum speed of a brommobiel is 45 km/h.
Mopeds and speed pedelecs usually ride on the roadway and only sometimes on the bicycle path. As a motorist you must be prepared for this.
At the white sign shown below, mopeds and speed pedelecs must leave the bicycle path and join the roadway. As a driver, try to make space so they can merge easily. The round blue sign indicates that cyclists and snorfietsers must remain on the bicycle path.
Speed rules also apply on the bicycle path. Every vehicle type has its own maximum speed — these rules exist for a reason. They help keep the bicycle path safe for everyone.
In short: the faster your vehicle, the less often you may use the bicycle path. This keeps the path safe and predictable for everyone.
Yes — there is a difference. There are two kinds of signs:
The sign with only the text “fietspad” means it is a non-mandatory bicycle path. The round blue sign with the bicycle symbol means it is a mandatory bicycle path.
The bicycle path may seem simple, but there’s quite a bit to it: who may ride there, what types of bicycle paths exist, and how fast you may go. Learning these rules thoroughly makes the theory exam much easier.
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You now know that when you see a bicycle symbol on the road or on a traffic sign, it means only cyclists and snorfietsers may ride there — not mopeds.
But beware — the sign below can be confusing. It is a red triangle, which always means “warning.” You might think it only warns for cyclists and snorfietsers, but that’s not entirely true. This sign warns you to watch out for cyclists, snorfietsers, AND mopeds — an important exception to remember for the exam.
A bicycle path is a section of the road specifically designated for cyclists and snorfietsers (low-speed mopeds), and sometimes for mopeds, depending on the traffic signs.
Here’s the English translation:A mandatory bicycle path is indicated by a round blue sign with a white bicycle (G11). Cyclists must use this path.
This depends on signs, yield markings (“shark teeth”), and road markings. Without any indications, the standard rule applies: priority to the right.
No. Right of way is determined by signs and road markings, not by the presence of a bicycle path.
Yes. Regular e-bikes follow the same rules as normal bicycles and must use the bicycle path if one is present.
