Circular, Social, Local: How Rotterdam Parks Its Bikes Sustainably

Rotterdam is a city on the move, and more and more of that movement is happening by bike. In Rotterdam, cycling isn’t just practical, it’s becoming an essential part of building a healthier, more sustainable city.

As more residents choose two wheels over four, the number of bicycles continues to grow. That’s great news for the environment and public health, but it also creates a new challenge: where do you park all those bikes? Not every resident has a shed or storage space at home, especially in busy urban neighborhoods.

In Rotterdam, not everyone is able to have their own parking place.

That’s where the “bike drum” comes in, a typically Rotterdam solution. These compact, lockable bicycle storage units hold four to six bikes and are placed right in neighborhoods where the need is greatest. Even better, they’re made from 98% circular materials, proving that smart mobility solutions can be sustainable too.

Many of these bike drums are assembled at Rotterdam Inclusief, the work development company of the Municipality of Rotterdam. Here, people who need additional support are given meaningful job opportunities. Employees receive extra guidance and work in a safe, supportive environment while contributing to a visible part of the city’s infrastructure.

Rotterdam Inclusief brings important job opportunities to Rotterdammers.

Across the city, there are now around 1,200 bike drums in use. Together, they make cycling more convenient, neighborhoods less cluttered, and streets more accessible for everyone.

It’s a solution made by Rotterdamers, for Rotterdamers, and a great example of how social impact and sustainability can go hand in hand.