900 new bike spots open in De Koopgoot, Rotterdam

900 new bike spots open in De Koopgoot, Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, 17 October 2024 – A new bike parking facility has opened in De Koopgoot, accommodating over 900 bicycles. Located in the city centre, it offers a secure and dry space for cyclists, further expanding Rotterdam’s cycling infrastructure.

New bike parking facility opens in De Koopgoot

A new bike parking facility with space for over 900 bicycles has been opened in the heart of Rotterdam, near the popular shopping area De Koopgoot. The facility, which was officially inaugurated by Alderman Pascal Lansink-Bastemeijer on 16 October, aims to provide cyclists with a secure and covered parking solution. The entrance is located on Westewagenstraat, making it a convenient option for those visiting the nearby shops and restaurants.

Room for various types of bicycles

The facility caters to a range of bicycle types, including standard bicycles, electric bikes, cargo bikes, and those with child seats or crates. Additionally, it offers 16 free charging and storage points for electric bike batteries. This diversity ensures that the parking facility meets the needs of a growing and diverse cycling population in the city.

Increase in cyclists in Rotterdam

Rotterdam has seen significant growth in the number of cyclists over the past decade. The city’s population and workforce have both increased, and as a result, cycling has become a more popular mode of transport. According to the municipality, the number of cyclists has surged by 45% over the last ten years. This rise in cycling has increased demand for secure and accessible bike parking options.

The city has been gradually expanding its bike parking facilities to accommodate this growth. The new facility in De Koopgoot is part of broader efforts to enhance cycling infrastructure and encourage the use of bicycles as a primary mode of transport in Rotterdam.

Impact on city streets

Speaking at the opening, Alderman Lansink-Bastemeijer emphasised the importance of the new facility in managing the city's evolving transport needs. “Rotterdam is rapidly changing, particularly in terms of mobility. The number of cyclists has increased significantly over the past decade, and we need to create more space for these bicycles. By adding this new facility in the city centre, we provide a safe and dry spot for 900 bikes that would otherwise be parked on the streets,” the alderman said. The new bike parking is expected to reduce clutter on the streets, contributing to a cleaner and more organised urban environment.

Opening hours and supervision

The De Koopgoot bike parking facility is open Monday to Saturday from 7:00 to 23:00, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 23:00. A staff member will be present during opening hours to oversee the facility and ensure the safety of parked bicycles.

Other bike parking facilities in the city centre

In addition to the new De Koopgoot location, there are several other bike parking facilities available throughout Rotterdam's city centre. These include:

  • Binnenrotte (near Meent parking garage): 60 spots
  • Blaak: 950 spots
  • Coolsingel (near Beurs metro station): 140 spots
  • Hoogstraat: 192 spots
  • Lijnbaan: 450 spots
  • Meent: 250 spots
  • Underground parking at Rotterdam Centraal station: 5,190 spots, of which 4,180 are free and 1,010 are paid

More information on bike parking in Rotterdam can be found on the city’s official website.

Directions to De Koopgoot bike parking

The new De Koopgoot bike parking facility is conveniently located on Westewagenstraat, in the heart of Rotterdam. This area is well-known for its retail outlets, cafés, and restaurants. It is easily accessible by foot and public transport, particularly from the nearby Beurs metro station.

Lime launches new Gen4 E-bikes in Rotterdam

Lime launches new Gen4 E-bikes in Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, 24 October 2023Lime introduces its latest generation of e-bikes, Gen4, in Rotterdam, marking a significant upgrade in the city's shared transportation options.

Lime, a leading provider of electric shared vehicles, has announced the replacement of its current e-bike fleet in Rotterdam with the new Gen4 bikes. This move comes after three successful years of operation in the city and aligns with the growing demand for sustainable transportation options.

The introduction of Gen4 e-bikes in Rotterdam represents a long-term commitment by Lime to the Dutch market. This upgrade is in response to a notable increase in usage: in September 2023, Lime e-bike rides rose by 20% compared to the same month last year, and the number of unique active users increased by 18%. Overall, 2023 has seen a 40% rise in rides compared to the previous year.

Gen4 E-bikes: Innovations and features

The Gen4 e-bikes boast a modular design, enhancing their durability with a lifespan of over six years. Each component of the bike is detachable, allowing for easy repairs and replacements. Additionally, these bikes feature increased motor power for smoother rides.

A standout feature of the Gen4 e-bikes is their interchangeable battery, which is 96% recyclable and offers an industry-leading range of up to 64 kilometers. This improvement not only increases operational efficiency but also contributes to the sustainability of the service.

Lime's growth and impact in Rotterdam

Since November 2020, Lime's fleet of 500 shared bikes has enabled users to cover over 845,528 kilometers in Rotterdam. The company's decision to upgrade to Gen4 e-bikes is part of its broader strategy to reduce individual vehicle ownership and promote eco-friendly transportation in the city.

Tom Hollestelle, Senior Operations Manager for Lime in the Benelux & Scandinavia, commented, "The introduction of our Gen4 e-bikes shows our desire to invest long-term in the city of Rotterdam and to expand further in the country."

Traffic fines for cycling in Rotterdam - how to avoid them!

Traffic fines for cycling in Rotterdam - how to avoid them!

Riding your bike will get you from point A to point B for free. But did you know you can be fined up to €150 if you break the rules? We made a list of traffic fines for cyclists. Check them out and stay safe!

As a student mentor, I once told a Polish exchange student that it was perfectly fine to ride her bike home while drunk. After all, most of the students that go out partying, hop on their bicycles and go home. There's nothing too special about that, right? Well, after the weekend, she came to me and complained. "You said it was fine to ride a bicycle while drunk," she said. I was surprised, so I asked her why she was complaining. Her answer? "My friend hit a car, and there were cops nearby, and ...". I had heard enough. I guess I had underestimated what "drunk" really meant.  Ever since, I tell people "it's fine to cycle while drunk, but just don't hit any cars." 

Truth be told, there are many rules for riding a bicycle in the Netherlands. Many are never enforced unless necessary. If you're caught putting a dent in somebody's car, there are likely to be consequences, whether you're drunk or not. Still, other rules may be less obvious.

Traffic fines for cyclists in Rotterdam

We've compiled a list of bad cycling habits that could get you fined. These fines generally range from €35 to €150 and can be increased if your cycling is deemed a danger to others. The amounts listed below are without €9,- administration costs.

👮‍♀️
• Overtaking just before or on a zebra crossing => €150
• Cycling under the influence of alcohol => €100 (235 Ugl / 0.54 permillage)
• Refusing to cooperate with alcohol check => €95
• Handling your phone while cycling => €95👮‍♀️
• Ignoring a red stop light => €95
• Cycling at night without lights on your bicycle => €55
• Cycling in the wrong direction => €55
• Cycling without reflectors on pedals/wheels/rear => €35
• Making a turn without raising your arm => €35
• Bicycle bell not working? => €35
• Parking your bicycle in a no-parking area => €35


These are the more 'popular' offences, but the complete list of bicycle fines is quite extensive.

Don't text and bike!

The latest law to come into effect partially bans the use of phones. That's right. Cycling about with your phone in hand, while texting, calling or tapping through your phone is no longer allowed in Rotterdam. As of July 1st 2019, anybody caught cycling while using a telephone will be fined €95.

The best way to avoid the fine is to use a holder and avoid handling the phone while cycling. In other words, place that phone call before you start pedalling and avoid touching the phone once you're underway.

Voice assistants and smartwatches
If you really have to use your phone, you could try using your voice assistant. Google Assistant, Siri, Bixby all respond to voice commands. Alternatively, a smartwatch will allow you to read snippets of your messages. If it's important enough to read it fully right away, just step off and hop back on when you're ready to continue your journey.

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