Amsterdam’s latest project, a massive underwater bicycle parking garage at Centraal Station, has everything to do with promoting sustainable transportation.
With the capacity to hold 7,000 bicycles, the new Amsterdam underwater bicycle parking garage is part of the city’s plan to reduce its carbon footprint and prioritize the needs of its citizens over cars.
In a country where bicycles outnumber citizens and data shows that 35% of Amsterdammers use their bikes daily, it’s no surprise that the city has taken such a bold step to support its two-wheeled commuters.
The underwater bicycle garage replaces the above-ground bicycle stalls – that often lacked free spaces – and provides a safe and clean space for commuters to park their bikes.
Parking in the garage is free for the first 24 hours and €1.35 for each additional day, making it convenient for daily commuters and a motivator for people to remove their bikes quickly.
The street-level bike path leads directly to the entrance of the underwater garage, making it easy for commuters to find.
To enter the garage, you need to either swipe your Dutch transport card or have a special “bicycle tag” fitted to your bike.
The garage is equipped with a display that shows the number of parking spaces available, so you can find an alternate spot if it’s full.
The interior of the garage is immaculate, giving off a futuristic vibe, with a daily cleaning crew, friendly employees, and 24-hour management.
The check-in and check-out process is quick and seamless, with green lights and a display that reads “Fiets ingecheckt!” (Bicycle checked in!) to confirm.
With the opening of a second garage this month, capacity will expand to 11,000 bicycles, solidifying the city’s commitment to environmentally-friendly transportation.
Amsterdam underwent a transformation in the 1970s from a city dominated by cars to a thriving hub of multi-modal transportation.
This was made possible through the joint efforts of local residents and progressive politicians who sought to create a more livable city.
Not every city can mirror Amsterdam, but even places like Paris, which are becoming increasingly bike-friendly, have shown that if the infrastructure is in place, cyclists will follow. Every journey starts with a single step, and cities must begin somewhere.