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.

Traffic fines for cyclists in Rotterdam

Don't text and bike!

ROTTERDAM, 24 October 2023 – Lime 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."