whole day. In all trains it is prohibited to carry normal size and (partly) unfolded bikes during peak hours, though this restriction does not apply in the summer in July and August when bikes can be carried for free at any time. All bicycles are allowed, even a recumbent or a tandem. However, it is prohibited to take a tricycle or a bicycle trailer on trains. Travellers are expected to place their bicycles in the designated areas: blue stickers on or near the doors indicate where they are. Ferries Ferries are commonplace in the Netherlands for crossing both rivers and canals, including numerous foot ferries that operate especially for cyclists and foot passengers saving them from making long detours. There are ferries as well as to the islands in the North (Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog). It is important to know where ferries are and when they run. Some ferries (such as those to Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog) impose an extra charge for bicycles, while others (such as those across the IJ in Amsterdam) carry bicycles for free. By air It is possible to take bicycles by air, but the airline's procedures must be followed to pack the bicycle and possibly dismantle it. There may also be extra fees as the bicycle will count as luggage. Again, travelling with a foldable bike is easier. The Fietsstad (Bicycle city) awards Every few years, a jury from the Dutch Fietsersbond (Cyclists' Union) conducts the Fietsstad awards where a city is bestowed the honour of being a recognised Fietsstad (Bicycle City). The main criteria for winning is not which of the competing cities has the best overall cycling environment but rather which city is already great for cycling and has improved their cycling environment even further. Furthermore, in some years there is a unique theme that the jury use to decide the winner. the cities that have been elected Fietsstad are: Gallery See also Transport in the Netherlands Bicycle monarchy Cycling in Amsterdam Dutch National Cycle Routes Fietsersbond (the Cyclists' Union) David Hembrow Outline of cycling Notes References Further reading Dekker, Henk-Jan (2021). Cycling Pathways: The Politics and Governance of Dutch Cycling Infrastructure, 1920-2020. Amsterdam University Press. Bek, Patrick (2022). No Bicycle, No Bus, No Job: The Making of Workers’ Mobility in the Netherlands, 1920-1990. Amsterdam University Press. Fietsberaad agency (Dutch Cycling Council), Cycling in the Netherlands, published by Dutch