Cycling rules

Rules about cycling in Maastricht and learn to ride a bicycle

Cycling is a fast, environmentally friendly, cheap and healthy way to get to all parts of the city. But you are not allowed to cycle and park your bike everywhere. Good to know when you get on your bike. What rules do you need to know before getting on a bicycle or when you are riding a bike for the first time and want to learn?

Basic rules:

  • It is forbidden tot cycle while holding your mobile phone. Talking, messaging or navigating on your bike is dangerous, both for yourself and for other road users. Keep it safe! You risk a fine of 170 euro + 9 euro administration costs.
  • Bicycle lights must be on when it is dim or dark and when visibility is poor. If you have no lights (on) or lights and reflections do not meet the requirements, you can be fined €75 excluding a €9 administration fee. Dead battery or forgotten lights? These are not legally valid reasons for cycling without lights and therefore can just as easily result in a fine.
  • Cycling through the pedestrianized shopping area is only allowed from 18 h to 11 h (on shopping nights from 21 h). You risk a fine of 60 euro + 9 euro administration costs.
  • There is a maximum parking duration of two consecutive weeks in a bicycle rack or bicycle parking facility in public spaces in the city centre and Wyck. In the bicycle parking facilities, parking is allowed during opening hours (maximum 24 hours). If you leave your bike longer, it may be removed. You will first receive a warning label on your bicycle. After that, your bike will be removed and you will have to pay €50 to collect it from the Bicycle Depot at Gerardusweg 39.

Knowing where you can park your bike

Parking your bicycle (temporarily)

And if you really cannot find a parking spot for your bike? All racks and parking spaces full? This is how you park your bike: 

  • There is a maximum parking time of 2 consecutive weeks in a parking facility in the city centre and Wyck. If you leave your bicycle or moped there for a longer period, it can be removed and taken to the bike depot on Gerardusweg 39. Collecting your bicycle costs €50 euro.

  • Pay attention to your safety and that of others. Take these rules into account, avoid a fine, and save money for enjoyable things:

    • always park your bicycle at least one metre away from the kerb*
    • park your bicycle outside of the shopping areas
    • Maximum parking duration of 2 weeks for safe storage in the public space of the city center and Wyck
    • put your bike in the back - if possible
    • do not block emergency exits

    * As a number of narrow pavements are often too crowded for pedestrians, buggies, mobility scooters, wheelchair users, and less mobile persons because of lamp posts, waste bins, street furniture, and bicycles incorrectly parked against facades, we are thrilled when we see a metre of free space. This is because it’s safer and prevents mutual annoyances. Additionally, any party which applies for a permit for an activity must account for the precondition of 1.5 metres of space to ensure free movement on.

Incorrectly parked bicycles

In the centre of Maastricht you may only leave your bike in the provided sheds and racks. The municipality regularly removes abandoned bicycles and also those which are incorrectly placed. Especially in those areas that are the busiest, such as Wyck, the city centre, and the area around the main railway station. The municipality also responds to reports from residents in other parts of the city.

  • If you are you missing your bike or you have found a bike please report this through the website www.verlorenofgevonden.nl (Dutch only). You can then look for your bike in the municipal bike depot on Mondays from 09.00-17.00. 

    The bike depot is situated at Gerardusweg 39. It costs € 50 euro to pick up your bicycle from the bicycle depot.

    Ten days after your visit to the depot you can make an official report at the website of the police www.politie.nl/aangifte. (Dutch only).
    Do you have any questions on this section? Please contact +31 (0)43 14043.

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More information for (international) students

Stacking bikes = blocking lives. Keep one metre free on the sidewalk. Thanks!
Sunset: lights on. Be seen, be safe!