Did you know Parking Networks' headquarters is based in a small Dutch city called Maastricht? Nestled in a valley in the south of the Netherlands, Maastricht is famous for its medieval-era architecture, vibrant cultural scene, gothic churches and cobblestoned streets. Known as ''Little Paris'', if you visit Maastricht you would be more likely to see bikes zooming around the city than cars. This is due to Maastricht's clever underground parking infrastructure, but also because the main city center has almost entirely designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport.
Most of the staff here at Parking Network arrive to work by bicycle. Living in a Dutch town such as Maastricht, renowned for its strong cycling culture with its flat landscape, extensive cycling paths, and bike-friendly traffic regulations, makes it a much more pleasant experience than biking around other larger cities. As nice as it is, there are also some downsides. For those of us who live in and around the city, bike theft is also a very common occurrence - if you do not secure your bike when leaving it unattended. This author has had three bikes ''adopted'' to date. So, as we approach World Bike Day 2023, we are going to explore the lesser-discussed area of bike parking, specifically how to do so in a manner where your bike will still be waiting for you when you return, (take it from an expert who has tried everything).
Rule One - Never Leave Your Bike Unlocked
Yes, we are aware this might seem obvious, however, it is the number one cause of bike thefts in the Netherlands, and very easily done! When running errands, popping into stores, or simply forgetting to lock up when leaving your bike overnight, it's so very easy for your bike to run off with a new owner. Whilst most cities have procedures for reporting incidents such as this, it's better to avoid the situation completely. Investing in a secure bike lock can save you endless headaches in trying to get your old bike back, or your hard-earned cash in purchasing a new one.
Simply locking up your bike is not enough, however, which brings us to rule number two.
Rule Two - Park Your Bike Somewhere Safe
This means more than parking your bike away from vehicles and foot traffic. If you have ever visited a bike-friendly city it is very likely you will see bikes parked up on the sides of streets, attached to railings, trees, or leaning up against buildings. This is one guaranteed way to A - get your bike taken away by the municipality or B - damaged by a careless passerby. Most cities will now have designated parking spots where you can attach your bike to a post, guaranteeing it will be safe and secure for when you return.
In some cities like Maastricht, access-controlled storage also exists! Areas secured by turnstiles or barriers offer secure storage for a few hours or several weeks. Often these areas are patrolled by attendants, are well-lit, and/or have CCTV systems. Sometimes there is a small charge, however, it is worth the investment to have the peace of mind that secure bike storage brings.
Hot Tip - Avoid leaving your bike by a river/lake. Even if locked, it could end up going for an unplanned swim!
Rule Three - If in Doubt, Share!
New to a city and not ready to fully commit to the bicycle lifestyle just yet? Take advantage of ride-and-share services! These kinds of programs aim to promote sustainable mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and provide an alternative mode of transportation in urban areas. Normally you simply have to visit your municipalities website to learn how to register for the scheme, where to find the bike terminals, and how to unlock them. This option is a very good choice if you are not sure whether you want to buy your own bike, or you want to suss out the storage options in your town before investing in a bicycle.
Are you a company in the parking industry? Do you deal in barriers or access control?
You may want to consider branching out to the world of bike parking. There are not that many differences between vehicle parking and bike parking, and as our world progresses to more eco-friendly, sustainable transportation options, it is worth getting ahead of the curve and adapting current technologies to fit growing demands, such as:
- Smart Parking Technology: Leveraging technology, such as IoT-enabled bike racks or mobile applications, allows cyclists to locate available parking spaces in real-time, easing congestion and improving the overall parking experience.
- Vertical Parking Solutions: To optimize limited urban space, vertical bicycle parking systems, such as multi-level bike racks or automated storage facilities, offer efficient and space-saving options.
- Design and Aesthetics: Incorporating visually appealing and architecturally innovative bicycle parking infrastructure enhances the urban landscape and encourages more people to choose cycling
Companies such as BG DRIVES have already adapted their access control systems to be used with pedestrian and bike areas, to allow bike owners to access company parking and storage easily and safely. Expanding into the bike parking market offers parking industry companies a big opportunity to tap into, and we highly encourage our members and also you, lovely reader, to take advantage and help make our bike parking facilities as innovative as our vehicle parking is!
