Rotterdam is on its way to becoming a model of sustainability in terms of transport. Cycling is uniquely popular throughout cities in the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam and Utrecht. However, until recently the amount of regular bike users in Rotterdam has been significantly lower compared to its metropolitan counterparts. In 2013, only around 18% of people used bikes for commuting compared to 30% of people in Amsterdam.
The number of people converted to bikes has increased considerably over the past 10 years, to the point where around 200,000 trips are made each day on the saddle; around a third of Rotterdam’s inhabitants. There are several reasons why Rotterdam was slower at embracing the two-wheeled commute, as well as some impressive initiatives that are turning the tide. We’ll go over how the current infrastructure looks and what’s developing.
Current infrastructure
Rotterdam is an interesting case when it comes to the evolution of urban mobility. During World War II the city was greatly damaged with entire sections destroyed due to its important harbour. As it was rebuilt in the latter half of the twentieth century it was modernised with a car-centric motif. This has raised challenges. Today, modernisation is looking toward greener solutions and in many cases, this means completely rethinking existing areas. Here are just a few examples of how they have done just that.
Coolsingel
An ambitious project, which was delayed for a year due to the pandemic, this central street in Rotterdam was re-developed to ease congestion. It was finished in 2021 and cost € 58.1 million, with pedestrians, public transport and cyclists in mind. Located in the ‘Cool’ district, the redevelopment certainly honours the name.
There is a newly paved promenade lined with 23 bespoke lanterns, new benches, and greenery to make strolling down the area a pleasure. While there is still a three-lane road for cars on one side of the old tram line a new two-way, ‘golden’ cycle path lies on the other. Although the building process was complex due to its underground system, the architects and engineers managed to follow sustainability principles such as biodiversity and microclimates.
Swapping spaces
Whether you’re on your city e-bike or regular bicycle, cycling is becoming increasingly attractive in Rotterdam. This is partly because parking is opening up, thanks to an initiative that started in 2015. A group of developers had a lightbulb moment when they looked at one street that had an abundance of parking spaces for cars. By giving up just one parking spot they realised they could easily transform it into ample space for up to 10 bikes.
Some streets in Rotterdam are so dense with bicycles that they often spill out onto the pavement. This scheme temporarily transforms a regular parking space for cars into a ‘bicycle platform’ for a month. The residents of the street then vote on whether to make it permanent. Today, the fietsvlonders are such standard practice in planning that there are around 70 temporary units with 90 permanent ones across the city, giving hundreds of bikes enough space. It’s so effective it has even been adopted in Amsterdam and The Hague.
Grassroot initiatives
Rotterdam op die Fiets, or ‘Rotterdam on the Bike’, is an organisation that encourages everyone to ride a bike. It is an informational centre for everything bicycle. Whether you want to know about community bike rides, popular cycling routes, where to get cycling lessons or read other interesting news, this is the place. They even have an ‘Alliance’ that regularly meets up to discuss new ideas on how to develop Rotterdam into a more bike-friendly city.
One inspiring story discovered while researching Op die Fiets was that of Sema Acar. The organisation highlighted her work in providing those with less means access to a bicycle. Acar is a bicycle seller and works with De Fietsbank – a network that repairs broken and second-hand bikes for redistribution. They are then given to residents who cannot afford to buy a bike… It has since helped many people by giving them a cost-friendly alternative to commuting while encouraging a healthier lifestyle. Read more about it here.
Future plans
Rotterdam has ambitious plans for the future. The Municipality of Rotterdam has laid out an extensive proposal to increase cycling infrastructure. The project named ‘Bicycle Race 2025’ aims to increase cycling and expand the infrastructure behind it.
It is established that increased cycling will have enormous benefits, including reducing Co2 emissions that will help prevent respiratory conditions. They also understand the need for safer cycling lanes while addressing the ongoing need for better parking facilities and safer traffic by imposing strict speed limits and wider cycle paths. Here is just a small example of what is proposed:
1. Construct separate bike paths that are wide enough to safely handle future intensities on them. Priority is given to the major urban and regional cycle axes.
2. Missing junctions, such as crossings and bicycle bridges. Another possibility is reducing the barrier caused by motorways, waterways and railways.
Examples: a new riverbank connection near Feijenoord City, improving crossability of city boulevards, creating junctions in the A20-A13 zone, fly-over junctions on the Rotte Tracé, a cycling solution in regards to the M4H developments to and from Schiedam, a bicycle bridge over Katendrecht-Charlois and two-way cycle paths along major barriers to limit detour cycling.
3. Design town boulevards in such a way that there is a better balance between the various types of traffic, by differentiating the use of space or removing one or more lanes.
There are many more in-depth examinations and proposed solutions in the document laying the groundwork for how sustainable urban planning will develop. If you are interested and speak good Dutch here is the programme.
Smart roads
There is a developing project in Rotterdam to develop smart roads for cyclists. It is a cooperation between scientists and businesses to lower traffic congestion. PlasticRoad is one such organisation involved in supplying sections of the roads and the sensors underneath. This means the roads can be monitored to better understand how the road is being used. The sensors serve various purposes such as indicating when maintenance is needed, adjusting traffic lights and sending live information to digital traffic signs.
While there is currently just one smart road in development, it’s a huge step forward. The technology allows real-time information gathered from both underground and above-ground cameras, sensors, radar, wifi, BlueTooth and 3D cameras. The 25 metres of the road will initially be in the TU Delft Campus but if successful could be applied in cities across the country.
An advantageous partnership
BMW is helping Rotterdam reach its zero-emission target. The iconic car manufacturer has agreed to remain in partnership with the city until 2027 helping tackle key areas they have listed as: “Multimodality”, “Traffic Management”, “Parking & Charging”, and “Green Charging”. By piloting projects in universities and applying their expertise in the development of EVs and charging technology this joint effort is ideal for advancing urban mobility.
One of the most noteworthy projects is the development of the “Vehicle to Grid”. This involves creating surpluses of electricity in things like light e-bikes and other electric vehicles. The storage of energy created by renewable sources is problematic. However, using a network of e-bikes and e-cars is an elegant solution. Conceptually people will both charge their vehicles at the charging station while simultaneously “discharging” electricity back into the grid.
A lovely cycle route
We put together some nice cycle routes around Rotterdam so you and your lightweight e-bike can get to know the city. This is a lovely bike ride good for all fitness levels that will take you over the famous Willemsbrug Bridge. Simply click the image below for more details!
Conclusion
Rotterdam is a cultural and interesting place to visit with its historic harbour, chic districts and innovative urban centres. It has never been easier to explore this city by e-bike. There are many projects on the horizon that may not only improve commuting by bike in Rotterdam but the Netherlands as a whole. With corporate partnerships, the support of universities and grassroots movements all working towards a common sustainable future, it’s safe to say that the best is yet to come. While Ampler has a showroom in Amsterdam we deliver to your door and have ambassadors in Rotterdam to try one of our light urban e-bikes.