When the sun comes out many people get out their bikes again. Even though it’s a vehicle that saves a lot of space—a parking slot for one car can accommodate up to eight bicycles—bikers in many cities often have a hard time finding a parking place. A look at Zurich shows how to solve that problem. There an onMetal RFID label from Schreiner PrinTrust contributes to an innovative parking project.
Glass doors, bright colors, 1,600 parking slots with direct access to the tracks of the Zurich Central Station: That’s how the “Velostation Europaplatz” presents itself. It’s in high demand not only because of its location: “Our clients appreciate the convenience we offer them,” says Michael Leisner, a supervisory board member of abaleo AG, the system’s manufacturer. The RFID label that was created in collaboration with the experts from Schreiner PrinTrust contributes to that convenience. This RFID label is special because it works perfectly even on the metal frames of the bikes. It enables clear identification not only for access control but also for electronic billing—reliably and contactless.
A Parking Slot with Security Included
Michael Leisner can easily explain why people pay for parking their bicycles even though free parking in public places is available as well: “E-bikes have become increasingly important not only in Germany but also in Switzerland, and you don’t just park a valuable bike at the next corner of the street! So, clients not only appreciate having a convenient place for parking their bikes but, above all, one that is secure and guarded!” The possibility to charge bikes at the bike station makes the facility even more attractive.
A Space-Saver with Untapped Potential
There is cross-border agreement that the bicycle is a key element in the mobility transition journey. Especially as a means of transportation for commuters on the way to the train station, bicycles could provide relief for congested streets and roads. Reality, though, often looks a little different: aside from the tussle on the streets, the competition for parking places is a key issue for all the stakeholders. That is matched by the results of the current bicycle climate test by ADFC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club): big cities with populations of more than 500,000 were able to record slight improvements compared to the previous survey. Why? Due to enhanced availability of rental bikes—plus additional bicycle parking places.
It is a subject with plenty of potential and examples like the Zurich bicycle station show how cities offering innovative parking places can contribute to mobility of the future and ensure a harmonious coexistence of motorists and cyclists.