Amsterdam unveils 2 giant underwater bicycle shelters

That is an occasion for a big party this weekend

This Saturday, Amsterdam is throwing a big party around the Central Station. The reason: the opening of two new huge bicycle shelters, that took 4 years to construct. Build underwater, they are meant to clean the central area from parked bikes and make it tidier and more convenient for all users. Their total storage capacity of 11 000 bikes should be more than enough to do the job.

A new bicycle shelter calls for a party if you live in The Netherlands

Two new bicycle parking zones will soon open in Amsterdam – the first one is located on Stationsplein (the square in front of the Central Station), and the second one is located on the back of the station - on the IJboulevard. The latter is set to open in February.

As the city website informs, Stationsplein bicycle parking is built under the Open Havenfront - the water basin between the Prins Hendrikkade Street and the so-called Stationseiland (the artificial island where the Central Station was constructed at the end of the 19^th century). It alone can store 7000 bicycles, which makes it is the largest bicycle parking facility in Amsterdam.

The entrance to the renovated area around the Central Station in Amsterdam.
Image: Gemeente Amsterdam

The underground parking facility is connected to the metro hall and Amsterdam Central Station, so travellers will soon be able to walk dry and without detours to and from public transport. On top of that, another bicycle parking is built, for some 4000 additional bikes. And this will not be the end, since the municipality is working on the construction of even more spaces for safe bike storage.

Moving the bicycle sheds under water, will give pedestrians more space around the Central Station. In the weeks after the opening, all bicycle racks will gradually disappear from the street. Without them, authorities explain, the street is easier to keep clean, it is tidy, well-arranged and safer.

To celebrate this improvement to the city’s mobility and public space, Amsterdam is throwing a party this Saturday, 28 January, from 12:00 to 16:00. The program of the party includes:

• Guided tours of the bicycle sheds
• Rides on a historic tram
• Boat trips around the Stationseiland
• Songs of the Amsterdam Smartlap Choir
• Puppet shows

And guests are invited to register for free using this link.