Biking through Rotterdam? Here you can find the best bike routes and bike rental companies in Rotterdam.

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Rotterdam is a city known for its modern architecture, bustling harbor and cosmopolitan atmosphere. But it is also a city that is very bicycle-friendly. In this article we will explore the different aspects of cycling in Rotterdam, from the infrastructure to the cycling culture and the best cycling routes.

Infrastructure

Rotterdam has an extensive network of cycle paths and cycle lanes that run throughout the city. It is possible to get almost anywhere in the city by bike, and the cycle paths are generally wide and well maintained. There are also many bicycle sheds, both open-air and in parking garages, which offer cyclists the opportunity to park their bikes safely and easily.

In addition, Rotterdam has several bicycle bridges that cross the city. The Erasmus Bridge is probably the best known and most recognizable bridge in Rotterdam. This bridge is not only an iconic part of the city's skyline, but also an important route for cyclists wanting to travel from north to south and vice versa. Other bicycle bridges in the city include the Willemsbrug and the Van Brienenoordbrug.

Cycling culture

Cycling in Rotterdam is not only a way to get from A to B, it is also part of the city's culture. Rotterdam has a large community of cyclists who are committed to promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transport. There are several cycling clubs and organizations in the city that focus on promoting cycling and improving cycling infrastructure.

Cycling is also an important part of daily life in Rotterdam. Many people use bicycles to go to work, do their shopping or simply explore the city. This means that there are always many cyclists on the road, which makes cycling infrastructure even more important.

Cycling routes

Whether you're a Rotterdam resident or a tourist, these cycling routes offer a great way to explore the city and enjoy all it has to offer. Whether you are interested in the harbour, nature, architecture or culture, there is something for everyone. Below you will find a number of cycling routes through Rotterdam that will lead you past the most iconic sights and hidden gems.

1. The harbor route

Rotterdam is known as the largest port city in Europe and the port route offers beautiful views of the impressive ships and container terminals. The route starts at Central Station and goes via the Erasmus Bridge to the Maastunnel. After crossing the tunnel you arrive at the Floating Pavilion, a sustainable and innovative building that floats on the water of the Rijnhaven. From here you cycle along the quays of the Maashaven and the Waalhaven, where you can admire the large sea-going vessels.

2. The green route

Rotterdam has many green parks and squares, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. The green route starts at the Kralingse Bos, a large park with a lake where you can swim and row. From here the route goes to the Molenvliet and the Zuiderpark, where you can enjoy the blooming flowers and the relaxing water features. The route ends at the Dakpark, a park on the roof of a parking garage with a beautiful view of the city.

3. The architectural route

Rotterdam is a city full of modern architecture and this route introduces you to the most iconic buildings. The route starts at Central Station and goes via the Lijnbaan to the Coolsingel, where you can admire the town hall and the Market Hall. Then you cycle to the Kubuswoningen, a unique residential complex in the shape of cubes. The route ends at the Van Nelle Factory, an iconic building from the 1930s that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

4. The cultural route

Rotterdam has a thriving cultural scene with many museums and galleries. The cultural route starts at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, a museum with an impressive collection from old masters to contemporary art. From here the route goes to the Dutch Photo Museum, where you can enjoy photographic exhibitions. Then you cycle to the Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, where you can enjoy modern art and performances. The route ends at the Theater Rotterdam, a theater with a varied program of plays and dance performances.

5. Meuse route

The Maas Route is a popular cycling route that takes cyclists along the River Maas. The route is approximately 12 kilometers long and offers cyclists beautiful views of the Rotterdam skyline. The route startst at Rotterdam Central Station and takes cyclists past some of the city's most iconic sights, such as the Euromast, the Wilhelminapier and the Erasmus Bridge.

A highlight of the Meuse Route is the Park at the Euromast, a beautiful park with a large pond and a playground for children. Cyclists can also visit the Museum Park, where several museums are located, including the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Netherlands Architecture Institute and the Natural History Museum Rotterdam.

6. Kralingse Plas

The Kralingse Plas is a large recreational area in Rotterdam with a beautiful lake, surrounded by greenery. The area is ideal for cycling and offers several cycle routes that take cyclists through the park. The most popular route is the roundabout of the Kralingse Plas, a route of approximately 5 kilometers that takes cyclists along the shore of the lake.

The route offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature, and there are several picnic areas and cafes along the route to take a break and enjoy the views. The area is also popular with joggers, walkers and other recreationists who enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

7. Rotterdam Tour

The Rotterdam circuit is a popular cycling route that takes you past the highlights of Rotterdam. It is a beautiful route that lets you experience the city in a unique way. The route is approximately 60 kilometers long and takes you past historic ports, modern architecture and green parks.

The route starts at the Erasmus Bridge and takes you via Katendrecht to the Kop van Zuid. Here you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Rotterdam skyline and the impressive De Rotterdam building. Then you cycle along the Maas towards the east, to the Kralingen district. Here you can visit the Kralingse Bos, a large park with a beautiful lake.

After Kralingen you cycle further north, to the center of Rotterdam. Here you can visit the iconic Markthal and cycle through the cozy streets of Witte De Withstraat. Via the Museum Park you reach the Delfshaven district, where you can admire the historic harbor and the old mills.

From Delfshaven you cycle further west, to the Spangen district. Here you can visit the impressive Van Nelle Factory, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You cycle back to the starting point at the Erasmus Bridge via the Schiehaven and the Lloydkwartier.

The Rotterdam circuit is a great way to explore Rotterdam by bike. It shows you the city from different perspectives and takes you past all the highlights that this city has to offer. Whether you are a tourist or a resident of Rotterdam, this route is definitely worth cycling!

Bicycle sharing

If you are visiting Rotterdam and want to explore the city by bike, apps for (electric) bike sharing such as Donkey Republic or Lime a convenient solution for renting bicycles. These apps are easy to use and offer a large selection of (electric) bicycles that you can unlock using the app. Renting a bike via an app is safe and reliable, and offers the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace. With a Rotterdam Welcome Card you even get a 25% discount on your first 15 minutes at Donkey Republic.< /p>

Bicycle rental companies

If you want to rent a bicycle in Rotterdam, renting a bicycle from a bicycle rental location or bicycle shop can offer advantages over using an app for (electric) bike sharing. Reserving your bike online, personal instructions upon pick-up and the ability to view the bikes in person before renting one are some of these benefits. In addition, some bicycle rental locations offer additional services, such as repairs and maintenance, and they can help you with questions about cycling routes, traffic rules and sights. In Rotterdam Center you can rent bicycles at Zwaan Bikes (near Rotterdam Central Station), at Centrum Bikes (near the Beurs metro stop and the Witte De Withstraat) and at Baja Bikes (near the Leuvehaven metro stop). In Hoek van Holland you can rent and reserve a bicycle in advance online at Kleijn Tweewielers or Peter van Lecenturies of two-wheelers.

OV Bicycle

One of the most popular bicycle rental companies in Rotterdam is the OV-fiets. This company is owned by the Dutch Railways and offers bicycle rental at various locations, including train stations in the city. The well-known blue-yellow OV-fiets is a very popular option because of its convenience and affordability. You can rent an OV bicycle with an OV chip card or with a subscription.

Below is a list of locations in Rotterdam where you can rent an OV-fiets:

1. Rotterdam Central Station
2. Rotterdam Blaak Station
3. Rotterdam Lombardijen Station
4. Rotterdam Alexander Station
5. Rotterdam North Station
6. Rotterdam Zuidplein Station
7. Wilhelminaplein metro station
8. Beurs metro station

Please note: the availability of OV bicycles may vary per location and depends on the availability of bicycles at the time of rental.