The Dutch are without doubt the most avid users of bicycles in Europe. With the number of bikes matching the population, 16 million, a new law to come into force early next year will give cyclists virtual right of way on many roads. If you're travelling in the Netherlands in your car, beware! Colliding with a bike will be your fault, no matter what and lengthly legal proceedings could follow. Stephen Fleay reports from Amsterdam:

Here in the Dutch capital with its narrow streets, the car almost always plays second fiddle to the bicycle. Tens of thousands of cyclists are on the roads each day.

They seem to break every rule in the book, they surge over pedestrian crossings, ignore red and amber lights and as a result, have countless close calls and more often than not, serious accidents with cars. Because cyclists are considered to be in a weaker position with respect to potential injury than someone driving an automobile, the Dutch government is set to pass some controversial new legislation early next year.

In future, entire liability for damages will be placed on the motorists and not the cyclist in most accidents. This is thought to be a first for any European country and will give the already bold Dutch cyclist, virtual right of way on city streets, but fortunately not on motorways or main country roads.

But where there is an accident involving a bicycle and a car, the motorist can of course opt for a legal battle. It would have to be proven in court that the cyclist ignored traffic regualations and acted recklessly.

That's not the only bad news for motorist who once the new rules come into force, will have to fork out 100 Dutch guilders extra each year for car insurance, about $50. Passengers in a car will also be able to take action against the driver, if an accident occurs, having similar rights to cyclist and pedestrians.

The Dutch government sees this as another way to perhaps encourage people to leave their cars at home as much as possible and avoid congestion on the roads.

So if you're considering a trip to the Netherlands, leave your car at home and get on your bike!