On Monday, March 8, State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, Stientje van Veldhoven, officially opened the Stationsplein bicycle parking facility in Zwolle, the world bicycle city. This underground bicycle shed offers space for no fewer than 5.800 bicycles. These extra places are needed for the increasing number of travelers to and from Zwolle. Because the Zwolle station occupies an important place in the public transport network in the Netherlands. Every hour trains leave from Zwolle in eight directions. “By giving the bicycle plenty of space, the Zwolle region becomes more accessible, hospitable and healthier,” says Alderman Ed Anker of the municipality of Zwolle. And that has been noticeable in Zwolle for years. There is hardly any city in the world where the share of bicycle trips is so high. Cycling is in the DNA of the people of Zwolle. “Travelers can easily park their bicycles here and transfer directly to the bus or train. Cycling a bit at the start and end of your school or working day becomes even better. And everyone benefits from that, ”said State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven.
State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven opened the parking facility by planting the first spring flowers in the vertical garden of the new underground bicycle parking facility. Unfortunately, because of the corona measures, she did so without an audience.
“This parking facility actually deserves a large audience today. Fortunately, it will get that in the coming years. Zwolle is increasingly important as a public transport hub, with many fast trains in all directions. It's great that you can reach the train or the bus so quickly from your bike. Many travelers will enjoy this. Zwolle is ready for the future with this station and this innovative bicycle shed. ”
sustainable station
By looking for innovative solutions in and around the station, Zwolle contributes to a sustainable future. Deputy Bert Boerman of the province of Overijssel: “In Overijssel we work together on sustainable public transport. The realization of the new bicycle shed under Stationsplein for almost 5.800 bicycles is a good example of this. This way, travelers can easily switch to train, bus, taxi or other transport. Zwolle is building an excellent, accessible and sustainable station for all visitors and travelers, the second railway junction in the Netherlands. ”
cycling takes Zwolle further
For fifty years now, Zwolle has always stepped up a gear when it comes to cycling. And Zwolle will continue to do that. Zwolle gives cyclists free rein in all kinds of ways. In the coming years, Zwolle and its partners will continue to focus on, among other things, comfortable bicycle parking facilities and good bicycle connections in the city and region. Ans Rietstra, COO ProRail, also sees that more and more people come to the station by bicycle.
"And we want to promote that in the interest of sustainability. Nationally, this percentage has already grown from 30% to almost 50%. This is even higher in Zwolle. We are also preparing for a significant growth in the number of train passengers in the near future. That will contribute to even more cycling at the station. ProRail invests at many stations in the Netherlands to improve and expand bicycle parking spaces. The underground parking facility in Zwolle is truly one of a new generation. A large, spacious, innovative parking facility that Zwolle will enjoy a lot. "
Also read: Unique guarded mega bicycle shed at Zwolle station
