If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for more than just a short vacation, buying a bicycle is a must.\u00a0 Well, perhaps you can borrow one from a friend if you don’t need it for too long, but most of us eventually had to endure that complicated task of finding the right bicycle at the right price and from the right person.\u00a0 So where to begin?<\/p>\n
When buying a bicycle, you need to make sure you purchase from someone reputable.\u00a0 Bicycle theft is a huge problem in this country, most especially in larger cities.\u00a0 It is illegal to PURCHASE a stolen bicycle.\u00a0 If you buy a bicycle from a person standing on the corner, assume it’s been stolen.\u00a0 If a police officer sees the transaction or the bicycle is being looked for by them, you can be arrested for purchasing it.<\/p>\n
Purchasing a bicycle from a store is no guarantee that it wasn’t stolen, but it probably covers your back better than buying off the street.\u00a0 As far as the law is concerned, you should be able to assume that purchasing a bicycle from a shop is legal, therefore you are less liable.\u00a0 There are plenty of shops to choose from, and many of them carry used and\/or refurbished bicycles as well.\u00a0 This doesn’t mean they are cheap, but they are cheaper than buying new.<\/p>\n
Another great place to buy a bicycle is the internet.\u00a0 Craigslist is very popular in some countries, but it just hasn’t caught on in the Netherlands.\u00a0 On Craigslist you might find a bicycle advertised by a foreigner getting rid of their bicycle after a short stint in the Netherlands.\u00a0 On the other hand, because it is not as popular, you might find people selling stolen bicycles on Craigslist.\u00a0 Watch out!\u00a0 If you are purchasing a bicycle and the seller says something like, “I don’t have a phone number but if you show up at 12 noon on Dam Square on the second Tuesday of the month and wear a red sweatshirt, I’ll sell you this thing for 20 euros,” you are probably looking at a stolen bicycle.\u00a0 Make sure you check into these things ahead of time.<\/p>\n
Although Craigslist isn’t popular here, Marktplaats is.\u00a0 It is THE way to find great deals on all kinds of things.\u00a0 Bicycles, furniture, sports equipment, whatever it is, you can find it here.\u00a0 Because it is so popular, it is also a bit safer from the “is this bicycle stolen” dilemma.\u00a0 That doesn’t mean it’s completely safe, but it is better regulated.\u00a0 The same rules for Craigslist apply here.\u00a0 Use common sense.\u00a0 If you are looking at a photo of a shiny new bicycle in mint condition and the seller is asking 20 euros, there is something fishy going on.<\/p>\n
The last thing you will need to know if you are looking to buy a bicycle in the Netherlands is the type of bicycle you want.\u00a0 And there are plenty of types for all sorts of people!\u00a0 In my next post, I’ll tell you a little about the types of bicycles and some pros and cons for each of them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for more than just a short vacation, buying a bicycle is a must.\u00a0 Well, perhaps you can borrow one from a friend if you don’t need it for too long, but most of us eventually had to endure that complicated task of finding the right bicycle at…<\/p>\n