The L51 sign indicates a bicycle street, a special type of road designed primarily for cyclists. When you see this sign, remember that motor vehicles are considered guests and must adapt their behaviour. Cyclists have priority, and you should maintain a low speed, keep a wide berth, and only overtake when it is completely safe. This sign ensures a safer and more pleasant environment for cyclists within designated areas.
Learn the key details of the L51 - Bicycle Street road sign, including its function, what it communicates to drivers, and how it applies in real traffic situations in the Netherlands. Use this overview to understand the sign clearly and recognise it confidently during the Dutch driving theory exam.
A bicycle street is usually surfaced in a distinctive colour across the full width and is marked by signs that emphasise the priority of bicycle traffic. The sign itself does not create a separate legal road category, so normal speed limits, parking rules and priority arrangements still apply unless other signs indicate otherwise. In practice however, drivers are expected to travel at low speed, avoid overtaking in narrow sections and give cyclists extra consideration.
This sign indicates a bicycle street, a road where cyclists form the main flow of traffic and motor vehicles are regarded as guests. As a driver of a car or van you must adapt your speed, leave generous lateral space and accept that cyclists may ride side by side, so you only overtake when it is clearly safe and without rushing them.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the L51 - Bicycle Street road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the Dutch driving theory exam in the Netherlands.
The L51 Bicycle Street sign means that the street is primarily intended for cyclists. As a driver of a motor vehicle, you are a guest on this street. This requires you to drive at a low speed, give cyclists ample space, and only overtake if it's safe to do so without endangering or inconveniencing them.
On a bicycle street, you must drive as a guest. This means reducing your speed significantly, yielding to cyclists, and being patient. Expect cyclists to ride two-abreast and potentially overtake each other. Avoid squeezing past them at narrow points or overtaking aggressively.
Overtaking on a bicycle street is allowed, but only when it is absolutely safe and there is ample room. You must not endanger or unnecessarily inconvenience cyclists while overtaking. Prioritise their safety and comfort over your desire to overtake.
A common exam trap is assuming you can drive at normal speeds or overtake freely. Learners often forget that motor vehicles are guests. Failing to yield to cyclists or overtaking too closely are also frequent errors that can lead to a negative score on the theory test.
The L51 sign itself doesn't set a specific speed limit; standard traffic rules apply unless otherwise indicated by additional signs. However, the 'guest' principle implies you must drive at a speed appropriate for the presence of many cyclists, which will typically be much lower than the general speed limit. Always observe other traffic signs.
A clear reference image of the L51 - Bicycle Street road sign used in the Netherlands.
The L51 - Bicycle Street road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The L51 - Bicycle Street road sign is part of the Information Signs (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.