Reflectors? Bells?!?
http://www.holland-cycling.com/tips-and-info/safety/traffic-rules-and-regulations-for-cyclists
How strictly are these rules enforced?
Depends.
If you have something by way of a red light on the back, and a white light on the front, then the chances of a police officer stopping you are minimal. However, if you are stopped, and you're an obnoxious moron, then they may find all sorts of creative ways of emptying your wallet.
Oh, and that site is not accurate.
The summary version of what you need to know, *LETTER* of Dutch cycle law (not the spirit):
You may have:
- 1 White or yellow light on the front
- 1 Red light on the rear (non flashing)
- 1 Red reflector on the rear
- 2 Orange pedal reflectors, on each pedal.
- The front and rear lights may be fixed to the upper body (or backpack).
- and most importantly AND NOTHING ELSE.
- You may have additional reflectors front, rear, side, but they *MUST* be White, Red, and Yellow respectively.
But, the reality is, if you have a non obnoxiously flashing rear light, you won't be stopped, if you have 3 rear lights, you won't be stopped, if you have extra reflectors in any colour, you won't be stopped. Dutch police are very pragmatic about it all, they just want you to have something light wise on both ends.
Oh, and pedantically, if you are a non Dutch national, riding a bike from outside the Netherlands, then strictly speaking you are only required to obey the requirements of the vienna convention. Which are much reduced on the above. However, if you've been stopped by police, trying to argue that they shouldn't be nicking you cos of the vienna convention, you are likely to make things worse, and they are going to really spoil your day...
If your bike has at least 1 reflector, a light front and rear, and two tyres pumped up to a sensible pressure, you will be riding a considerably more road worthy vehicle than 90% of Dutch Bikes...
J
