From: oudelutt@cs.utwente.nl (Paul Oude Luttighuis)
Subject: Re: How to get to Rotterdam
Organization: University of Twente, Dept. of Computer Science
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1993 13:25:55 GMT

Robert Broughton
|> > Brian E. Travis writes:
|> >
|> > Does anyone know if there are bicycle rentals near the ferry terminal in
|> > Hook?
|> 
|> Most train stations in Holland rent bicycles. Can't say for sure if the
|> station in Hoek van Holland does, though.

No, it doesn't.  Hoek van Holland has two train stations (one in the village 
and one in the harbour), neither of which rents bicycles.  You'll arrive at the 
harbour station.  If you insist on cycling to Rotterdam, you might take the train 
to Maassluis, a nice village 11 kilometers further.  It has two train stations.  
The nearest, Maassluis West, does not rent bicycles, but, only a bit further, the 
main station *does*.  You can phone them at +31 1899 16988.  

The train ticket from Hoek van Holland Haven to Maassluis will cost you about 
4 guilders.  Renting a bike at a railway station costs  f. 4.25  for 4 hours, 
f. 7.50  for one day, and  f 30.00  for a week.

Some stations (I don't know which) rent bicycles with three gears and special 
brakes.  They cost an additional  f. 2.50 a day and  f. 10.00 a week.

Also, you pay a bail (is that the word?) of f. 50.00  (f. 100.00 in big cities) 
per bicycle.  This is returned when you return the bike.  You need a passport 
for identification.  Beware of office hours.  They differ.

By the way, all this info is from last year!

|> These rental bikes are of a standard design. No gears (well, one, actually),
|> big tires, generator lights, heavy frame. Because Holland is so flat, most
|> people don't mind this type of bike.
|> 
|> > If there are, how are the roads between there and Rotterdam...are they
|> > bicycle friendly?

That depends.  They are about as bicycle-friendly as elsewhere in Holland, but 
whether they *are* is a matter of opinion (sorry, wrong newsgroup :-).

|> 
|> Yes.
|> >
|> > What kind of local laws should I be aware of?

Depends on what you consider local.  I don't know your local traffic laws.  
But let me give it a try.

|> Riding on the road is prohibited if there's a cycle path parrallel to it.

Obligatory cycle paths have a round blue sign with a white bicycle on it.  
There are also 'optional' cycle paths.  IMHO, roads with obligatory bicycle 
paths are best avoided, because bicycle paths are there where the cars are 
dangerous and numerous.  Also, these paths are often badly paved, narrow, and 
full of curves.  And you often do not have priority on them (even if the car 
way *has*).

Many roads (especially in urban areas) do not have separate cycle paths, but 
cycle lanes.  If it is obligatory, there is always this white bicycle (on a 
sign or at the ground).

If you change direction, use you arm to indicate.  At traffic lights, you may 
find yourself having to push a button before getting a green light.

|> > Is Rotterdam as bicycle-oriented as Amsterdam?
|> 
|> Yes.
|> >

I'd say a bit less, but still, you're in Holland, so ...

|> > What is the theft potential?
|> 
|> If you're going to be riding a standard railroad station rental bike, there's
|> not much point in anyone stealing it.

I don't agree.  As you might have noticed, the bail for big cities is twice as 
high as elsewhere.  If you don't lock your bicycle accurately (especially in 
big cities), there is a considerable chance of your bike being taken away.

It is true, ever since mountain bikes showed up, they have been extremely 
wanted by thieves, but ordinary bikes (to our standard) still do wonderful 
as welli (:-{.

If you want more info, just email.

Regards, 

Paul