Over the past three months, cyclists have found their way to The Hague’s 18 bicycle parking facilities nearly half a million times. To do so, they used the Hague Bicycle Pass, launched at the end of May. With the Hague Bicycle Pass, cyclists can park their bikes quickly and easily, and the municipality can use the information to better align bicycle parking facilities with the needs of cyclists. In this way, the municipality is working towards an accessible and liveable city. Alderman Adeel Mahmood: “These figures show that the bicycle parking facilities meet a great need. Moreover, good bicycle parking facilities are not only pleasant for cyclists, but good for the entire city. This way, we keep sidewalks and squares clear, tidy, and accessible for pedestrians, emergency services, wheelchair users, and parents with strollers.”
Importance of good bicycle parking facilities
Good bicycle parking facilities are not only a solution to the pressure on public space. They make cycling attractive, and that benefits our city greatly. For instance, research shows that cyclists in the city centre spend more monthly than visitors travelling by other means. Shops, hospitality venues, and other amenities are often more easily and quickly accessible with secure bicycle parking nearby. This ensures an attractive city centre and a strong local economy. Furthermore, cycling is, of course, healthy.
Finally, The Hague’s bicycle parking facilities play an important role in the safe storage of bicycles. This is important because over 5,100 bicycle thefts were recorded last year. By offering free and managed parking facilities, the municipality helps combat bicycle theft.
Insight into different types of bicycles
The 18 bicycle parking facilities in The Hague, managed by Biesieklette, collectively accommodate 11,385 bicycles. The Buitenhof facility in the city centre has the most users. Data from the The Hague Bicycle Pass shows that over 75% of the parked vehicles consist of regular (electric) bicycles, nearly 14% of bicycles with a crate or child seat, 7% of bicycles with fat tires, 2.5% of cargo bikes, and approximately 1% of other two-wheelers such as scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles. The municipality uses this information to make the facilities even more efficient starting in 2027.
Cycling pays off
Together with local entrepreneurs, the municipality will launch a pilot program for a loyalty system in early 2027. The first phase focuses on entrepreneurs in the city center, along the coast, and around the Leyweg. It investigates whether cyclists park their bikes more often in guarded parking facilities when they can accumulate points for discounts on products or services. This makes cycling more rewarding. This is a first step towards an eventual city-wide loyalty program in which The Hague entrepreneurs can participate.
- The Hague’s bicycle parking facilities are part of Den Haag Fietst , the overarching cycling initiative of the Municipality of The Hague. More information: denhaagfietst.nl
- More information about The Hague’s bicycle parking facilities: denhaag.nl/fietsenstallingen and biesieklette.nl/fiets-stallen
- More information about the The Hague Bicycle Pass: biesieklette.nl/haagse-fietspas
Text and image: Geemente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online