The bicycle parking facility has become modern, but that was not always the case. The history of bicycle parking, from bike racks to advanced facilities with charging points, demonstrates the evolution that bicycle parking has undergone. Various innovations have significantly improved bicycle parking in several aspects. In this blog, we’ll tell you more about this evolution. We’ll take you back to the early days of bike racks and the subsequent step: covered bicycle parking facilities. Then, we’ll discuss the most recent innovations, including bicycle parking facilities with charging points for e-bikes.
The early years of bike racks
The first version of the bicycle, the velocipede, was developed in 1817. In 1885, the precursor to the modern city bicycle was produced. Soon after, bicycles became an integral part of the Dutch street scene. During the 1920s, the number of bicycles steadily increased to a total of two million. With more people owning bicycles, there was an increasing need for places to park them.
The exact inventor of the bike rack is unknown. However, various versions of bike racks soon emerged, providing spaces for people to park their bicycles. Initially, these were single-tier bike racks. The Sheffield rack is a notable example from this period. Nowadays, double-decker bike racks are becoming more common. By accommodating bikes both above and below, the capacity is doubled. Additionally, bike racks have been developed to accommodate outdoor models such as cargo and crate bikes. The field of bike racks continues to evolve with ongoing innovations.
Covered bike parking protected against weather elements
Shortly after the development of the first bike rack, bike shelters and parking facilities began to emerge. By the early 20th century, many Dutch train stations already had their own bike parking facilities. In 1938, the first underground bike parking facility was built in Utrecht. This allowed bicycles to be better protected from inclement weather and theft.
Innovations in bike parking continue to progress. What began with bike shelters has now evolved into entire bike parking facilities that are completely enclosed. This provides optimal protection against rain, wind, theft, and vandalism. The CuBic bike parking facility is a prime example of a modern bike parking solution. This multifunctional storage unit is ideal for bike storage. Perhaps this bike parking facility could be suitable for your company?
Bike parking facilities with charging points
Today, bike parking facilities are modern and continue to innovate. Furthermore, they have had to adapt to a new trend: the rise of the e-bike. Plans for an electric bike were already in place by the end of the 19th century, and the first Dutch electric bike was developed in 1930 by the Philips Natuurkundig Laboratorium.
Since battery technology significantly improved at the beginning of the 21st century, electric bikes have become increasingly common in the Dutch streetscape. In recent years, more than half of all bikes sold have been e-bikes. It’s not surprising that bike parking facilities needed to evolve accordingly. Therefore, both bike racks and bike parking facilities are increasingly equipped with charging points for e-bikes. Another innovation is the charging locker, where people can securely store their bike batteries. Of course, you can also find these types of service products with us.
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Klaver Bike Parking keeps pace with innovations in bike racks and parking solutions. Discover the best bike parking solutions for your business with us. These proven solutions will promote the cycling culture within your company. Because the more people cycle, the more they move, improving their health. Your employees will feel better and experience less stress. Such a positive impact can enhance workplace well-being through bike-friendly infrastructure. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to request a free quote.
