Logo
Dutch Road Signs and Traffic Sign Meanings

The L51 Bicycle Street Sign: Motor Vehicles are Guests Here!

L51 - Bicycle Street Dutch road sign meaning

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.

Mastering the L51 'Bicycle Street' Sign Interpretation

The L51 Bicycle Street sign indicates roads where cyclists are the primary users and motor vehicles are guests. Correct sign interpretation is vital for Dutch driving licence theory test preparation, ensuring you adapt your speed and behaviour to safely navigate these unique traffic environments, respecting cyclists' priority.

Definition of L51

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.

Meaning of L51

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.

Allowed actions for L51

Drive at a very moderate speed that fits the presence of many cyclistsAllow cyclists to ride side by side where the width of the street permitsOvertake only when there is ample width and no oncoming or crossing trafficWait patiently behind a group of cyclists if safe overtaking is not possiblePosition your vehicle well to the side without squeezing cyclists at parked carsUse the bicycle street mainly for local access rather than as a fast through route

Prohibited actions for L51

Driving at a speed that intimidates or endangers cyclists on the streetOvertaking cyclists with very little lateral clearance in narrow sectionsSounding the horn or tailgating to force cyclists to speed up or move asideUsing the bicycle street as a high speed shortcut to bypass other routesCutting in sharply after overtaking a cyclist or group of cyclists

L51 - Bicycle Street road sign FAQ

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.

What does the L51 Bicycle Street sign mean?

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.

How should I drive on a bicycle street in the Netherlands?

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.

Can I overtake on a bicycle street?

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.

What are common mistakes related to the L51 sign during the theory exam?

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.

Does the L51 sign change the general speed limit?

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.

L51 - Bicycle Street road sign image

A clear reference image of the L51 - Bicycle Street road sign used in the Netherlands.

L51 - Bicycle Street road sign

Other names for the L51 - Bicycle Street

The L51 - Bicycle Street road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.

FietsstraatCycle-priority streetBicycle-first corridor

Information Signs (L) road sign category

The L51 - Bicycle Street road sign is part of the Information Signs (L) category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.

Master Similar Road Signs

Comparing signs like the L51 Bicycle Street with other relevant traffic signs aids in deeper understanding and fewer errors during your theory test revision. Effective traffic sign comparison sharpens your recognition skills, crucial for safe driving and passing your exam.

L1 - Underpass Height road sign

Underpass Height

Watch out for low bridges with the L1 Underpass Height warning sign!

Information Signs (L)L1
L10 - Pre-Indication of Traffic Measures road sign

Pre-Indication of Traffic Measures

Get Ready for Traffic Measures Ahead with the L10 Sign

Information Signs (L)L10
L101-3 - Taper Insertion — Two-Lane Carriageways road sign

Taper Insertion — Two-Lane Carriageways

Navigating the L101-3 Taper Insertion Sign: Merging Two Lanes into One

Information Signs (L)L101-3
L101-4 - Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways road sign

Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways

Master Lane Merges with the L101-4 Taper Insertion Sign

Information Signs (L)L101-4
L11 - Information Applies Only to the Lanes Indicated road sign

Information Applies Only to the Lanes Indicated

L11: This Sign's Information Is Only For The Lanes Shown

Information Signs (L)L11
L12 - Information Applies Only to the Lane Indicated road sign

Information Applies Only to the Lane Indicated

The L12 sign tells you information applies only to the specific lane indicated.

Information Signs (L)L12
L13 - Traffic Tunnel road sign

Traffic Tunnel

Prepare for tunnels: The L13 Traffic Tunnel sign means reduced visibility and specific rules apply.

Information Signs (L)L13
L14 - Lay-By (Emergency Refuge) road sign

Lay-By (Emergency Refuge)

The L14 Lay-By sign marks a safe place to stop in emergencies.

Information Signs (L)L14

Ready to Master Dutch Road Signs? Explore More Study Options

After reviewing the full list of Dutch road signs, deepen your understanding by exploring signs organized by category or practicing with targeted questions. This systematic approach ensures you fully grasp every sign's meaning and application, preparing you thoroughly for your CBR driving theory exam.

View All Dutch Road Signs
CTA Decorative Squares

Dive into Dutch road sign knowledge

L6 Lane Fork Dutch road signDutch Driving Theory B courseDutch Driving Theory AM courseL5 End of Lane Dutch road signDutch Motorcycle Theory A courseDutch A1 Motorcycle Theory courseL13 Traffic Tunnel Dutch road signL51 Bicycle Street Dutch road signDutch Motorcycle Theory (A2) courseL1 Underpass Height Dutch road signL3 Bus or Tram Stop Dutch road signL4 Pre-Sorting Lanes Dutch road signL17 Fire Extinguisher Dutch road signL16 Emergency Telephone Dutch road signSpeed Signs (A) Dutch road sign categoryWarning Signs (J) Dutch road sign categoryL19 Nearest Emergency Exit Dutch road signL7 Number of Through Lanes Dutch road signPriority Signs (B) Dutch road sign categoryL21 Passing Area to the Left Dutch road signL14 Lay-By (Emergency Refuge) Dutch road signL20 Passing Area to the Right Dutch road signL8 Dead-End Road (Cul-de-sac) Dutch road signInformation Signs (L) Dutch road sign categoryBuilt-Up Area Signs (H) Dutch road sign categoryL2 Pedestrian Crossing (Facility) Dutch road signSupplementary Plates (OB) Dutch road sign categoryClosure & One-Way Signs (C) Dutch road sign categoryMandatory Direction Signs (D) Dutch road sign categoryL10 Pre-Indication of Traffic Measures Dutch road signParking and Stopping Signs (E) Dutch road sign categoryDirection & Route Guidance (K) Dutch road sign categoryOvertaking & Lane Directives (F) Dutch road sign categoryArea, Road & Path Designations (G) Dutch road sign categoryL18 Emergency Telephone and Fire Extinguisher Dutch road signL101-3 Taper Insertion — Two-Lane Carriageways Dutch road signL101-4 Taper Insertion — Three-Lane Carriageways Dutch road signL12 Information Applies Only to the Lane Indicated Dutch road signL11 Information Applies Only to the Lanes Indicated Dutch road signL15 Lay-By with Emergency Phone and Fire Extinguisher Dutch road sign