From Maastricht to Den Helder: stations promote bike parking with #posifiets-month
In September, NS, ProRail and municipalities are highlighting travellers at 25 stations who choose to combine cycling and public transport. At the same time, extra attention is being drawn to bicycle parking. This joint effort, known as #posifiets-month, aims to keep the station environment neat, pleasant and accessible for everyone. The kickoff was today at the Maastricht train station.
Anne-Maartje Ordelman, director of station management and operations at NS: ''After the vacations, we traditionally welcome many travellers who come to the station by bike. However, some travellers prefer to park as close to the platform as possible and then place the bicycle in a place where this is really not allowed. These bikes get in the way of other travellers or passersby. There can also be annoying situations for people with strollers, walkers, blind canes or wheelchairs. Together with municipalities and ProRail, we like to ensure that the station environment is tidy, attractive and accessible for everyone. That is why this month we are drawing extra attention to bicycle parking and informing travellers so that it is clear where they can park their bikes quickly and easily.”
Karen te Boome, director of stations at ProRail: “A station should always be easily accessible and reachable for everyone. For that reason, it is important that bicycles are placed in the bike racks provided. We don't want bikes to obstruct the passage and we make sure that the guide lines are kept clear. In this way we keep the station and the surrounding area clean, whole and safe.”
Zuid-Limburg
John Aarts, administrative chairman of Zuid-Limburg Bereikbaar and mobility alderman in Maastricht: “In South Limburg, we are committed to cycling more often, safe cycling and, in the Maastricht city center, especially safe parking. We appreciate it when people get on their bikes and leave their cars behind. Everyone wants to enjoy our beautiful inner cities, but space is scarce. That's why we started the #posifiets approach in 2021. Great to see that the approach is now being adopted nationwide by other municipalities in cooperation with NS and ProRail.”
Pleasant station with good passage for all
The campaign starts August 28 at Maastricht station. In September and October, 24 other stations will follow. Campaign teams will give tips to travellers to park their bikes in the right place and hand out bicycle lights. There will also be posters in bicycle shelters to make travellers aware of the importance of parking their bikes in the right place. If there is no other way, the municipality will label and remove incorrectly parked bicycles. This frees up more space in the bike park.
Joint initiative
The #posifiets approach is committed to more frequent cycling, safe cycling and proper parking and was developed in 2021 by Maastricht City Council and South Limburg Bereikbaar. Last year, NS joined this effort for the first time. This year, NS and ProRail are collaborating with the following municipalities: Maastricht, Overbetuwe, Rheden, Doetinchem, Harlingen, Utrecht, Almere, Baarn, Hollandse Kroon, Alkmaar, Den Helder, Purmerend, Alphen aan den Rijn, Goes, Roermond, Eindhoven, Helmond, Vlissingen, Bergen op Zoom and Boxtel.
Photo: Aron Nijs Fotografie
left to right: UM college van bestuur: Jan-Tjitte Meindersma, Gemeente Maastricht wethouder John Aarts, Stichting Samen Onbeperkt: Ria en Paul Hellebrekers, Prorail: Harrie Ambergen, NS: Anne-Maartje Ordelman, Projectorganisatie NS: Hans van Tegelen
