Amsterdam is a great city that is easily accesible by bike and foot. For instance, a walk from Centraal Station in the north to the Rijksmuseum in the south is about 30-40 minutes. While on a bike, that same route would only take about 10-15 minutes. Cycling is ideal in Amsterdam. Many tourists also think biking is a good way for them to see the city. BUT, and this is a great-big but, I only advise biking for those who have done it before and are GOOD at it. That sounds obvious, maybe a bit dramatic even. However, many tourists who have clearly never ridden a bike before appear to be thinking, "I will not die." (insert Italian accent) WRONG. Its kind of funny to watch them, trying to steer and run into trees or light posts. But watching them try to maneuver through bike traffic is quasi-terrifying. Dutchies are 'SERIOS' about biking. About as serious as Taxi drivers in NYC. There are twice as many bikes in Amsterdam as people, its one of the most bike friendly, if not THE most bike friendly city, in the world. So if you get on that bicycle remember, you're putting your life on the line. Dutchies bike fast, and they're good at it. But accidents happen and let me tell you, they suck. Falling off a bike is one of my least favorite things in the world. Once you get the hang of biking there, its amazing.
When you come to a cross walk, they're called zebra-pads because of the stripes, do NOT cross til the light turns. You WILL get run over and no one will stop to help you put your guts back together. Obey ALL traffic signs. Never walk on the bike path. Every flight crew preparing passengers flying into Amsterdam should be telling people this while doing the whole, "exits are here, seat-belts like this" schpiel. If you dare brave the streets on a 'fiets' (bike) there are MANY bike rental shops available like....Yellow Bike, Mac Bike, Star Bikes and Bike4u. Most places have bikes available for several hours a day but only a few places will hire you a bike overnight. They'll ask you for a credit card for collateral, its normal.
If you do decide to bike (be careful) make sure you have lights that work. One on your back and front. You can also purchase lights to snap onto yourself, they go on the front and back of your jacket, or backpack. If the police stop you and your lights aren't on, you'll get a 50 euro fine for each one. Make sure they are on as soon as it gets dark.
Always double lock your bike. Bikes are stolen because usually one lock can take a professional bike thief less than 20 seconds to remove. Having 2 locks takes more time and thieves won't mess with a bike they know is going to take longer than 30 seconds to steal. Make sure its a strong chain lock and pass it through the front tire then through the middle of the 2 bars in the center of the bicycle. Locking it up to a rack is ideal but often there aren't enough spaces left. Sometimes trees or street signs are ok but check for signs that say no bikes or you will come back and find your bike was taken by the guys in orange vests. If the city gets a hold of your bike, it'll cost you to get it back.
One last, but very important, piece of info. If you hear a bell, please for the love, get out of the way. Many tourists walk down the middle of streets because they are small, I get that. But there are still cars, and bikes on those streets. When a cyclist rings their bell its not because they think you look nice or your man bun is particularly lovely that day. Its because you are in the way and could cause an accident injuring you and the cyclist. The best thing to do is remember that pedestrians belong on the sidewalk, and cyclists on the bike paths. Common sense I know, but better than finding out the hard way.