The project was implemented over four years andspent about $65 million on its development and construction. This is not the first bicycle parking garage in the Netherlands, as the government and local residents are increasingly getting rid of the outdated paradigm that cities are built for cars, not people. The city of Utrecht already has a large underground garage with a capacity for 12,000 bicycles. It is worth noting that about 35% of Amsterdam residents use bicycles daily as personal transport.
The construction of an underwater garage was farmore difficult than building an underground parking in Utrecht. Workers had to first drain the water in front of the 19th-century railway station before laying the foundations of the garage and installing giant columns brought in by barge to support the roof, which was eventually flooded.
Estimated 200,000 travelers dailyarrive at Amsterdam Central Station by rail, ferry, tram, bus or metro, with about half arriving by bike. Traditionally, they parked in the many grubby elevated bike racks that still surround the station, although they are scheduled to be removed in the coming weeks. True, the largest of them are so massive that they have become a tourist attraction in themselves.
Underwater garage space. Photo: The Verge
Underwater parking resembles a spaceship, is well lit, heated and can accommodate 7,000 bicycles, some of which are for rent.
Garage parking is free for the first 24hours and then costs $1.46 for each additional day. This is both convenient for the daily commute and great for motivating people to put their bikes away quickly. To enter, you must swipe your OV chip card (a Dutch transport card linked to your bank) or attach a Fietstag (“bike tag”) to your bike.
Entrance to the parking lot. Photo: The Verge
The underground garage is a miracle of engineering, but notno flaws. For starters, there is no dedicated parking for bulky cargo bikes, which are very common in Amsterdam for families with small children. There are also no charging points for e-bikes, a real oversight in a country where more than half of all new bikes sold are electric.
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