Biking rules for Amsterdam.
Amsterdammers love cycling, but the space in the city is limited. That is why it is important to adhere to the bicycle parking rules of the City of Amsterdam. Complying with the rules prevents the municipality from taking away your Swapfiets and additional costs.
How do I park my bicycle?
Amsterdam has strict rules when it comes to parking your bicycle.
- Always place the bicycle in a designated bicycle zone or rack. Take extra care when you park near train stations, nightlife areas and the ‘Rode Loper’ ('Central Station' to 'the Pijp')
- Always lock your bike with the double lock. This prevents bicycle theft and possibly a surcharge if the bicycle was locked with just one lock.
What happens if I don’t park my bicycle the correct way in Amsterdam?
If you don’t park your Swapfiets in the right way then the Amsterdam municipality might remove your bicycle. Your bike will end up at the bicycle depot ('Fietsdepot'). In this case, Swapfiets will collect the bike from the bicycle depot and you will need to make an missing appointment in the app to get a new bike during your appointment in the store.
Why can I no longer pick up my bike from the depot myself?
The Municipality of Amsterdam has adjusted its policy as of September 1, 2024 and has chosen to split bikes from 'organizations' and 'private individuals'. A Swapfiets falls under 'organizations' because the bike is legally the property of the Swapfiets organization. The policy for organizations states that it can no longer be picked up by the user - the member - but only by Swapfiets itself, which means that it is no longer possible to go to the depot yourself. An additional advantage is that you can now always pick up another bike at the Swapfiets store nearest to you.
What are the costs if my bike is taken by the depot and I get a new one at Swapfiets?
If your bike has been taken by the depot we charge €40 for the Original bike and €60 for the Deluxe, Power1 and Power7. We have not changed these amounts compared to the old situation, despite the extra work that Swapfiets takes on.
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