A realistic look at bicycle theft in Rotterdam: Time for a change, right?

Introduction

Rotterdam, a city known for its dynamism and innovation, is plagued by a persistent problem: bicycle theft. With more than 120 bikes being stolen every day, the need for an effective solution is becoming increasingly urgent. This article highlights the current state of affairs, the shortcomings of the current system, and how BIKEBAZE® plans to turn the tide.

Bicycle theft

Every day, more than 120 bicycles are stolen in Rotterdam, leading to frustration and discouragement among residents. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of sufficient bicycle parking spaces, which means that bicycles are often stored incorrectly and are easy prey for thieves.

Insufficient infrastructure

The city of Rotterdam has temporary bicycle parking facilities that are not only a pain in the side but also highlight the need for more permanent solutions. Every week, more than 300 bicycles are removed at central locations such as Blaak station and Central Station, underlining the need for more fixed parking objects.

Het Fietspunt: A double-edged sword

The process of cycling to the Fietspunt delivery is time-consuming and expensive, both for the owner and for the municipality. The required fee and the distance to the Fietspunt discourage people from picking up their bikes, especially when it comes to a cheaper bike. As a result, the Bicycle Point unintentionally contributes to the cycle of bicycle theft.

Accepting bike theft: A problematic mentality

A remarkable aspect is the resignation with which people accept the theft of their bicycles. This attitude needs to change. Bike theft should never be considered a normal aspect of city life. It is crucial that action is taken from the first theft to prevent people from losing their love for Rotterdam.

Failure to combat recovery

Combating the recovery of stolen bicycles requires a proactive approach by both the municipality and the police. Bike shops and private sellers must be more tightly controlled, and there must be sanctions for those who sell or own stolen bicycles.

The role of insurance

The current attitude towards bicycle insurance — “if my bike gets stolen, that's okay” — is unsustainable. If this trend continues, there may come a point where bicycles can no longer be insured, similar to the situation around fatbikes in Amsterdam.

BIKEBAZE®'s mission

BIKEBAZE® strives to fill the gaps left by the municipality and the police. Our goal is to tackle bicycle theft through prevention, awareness and innovative solutions such as our SafeTags and the BikeVault. By getting to the root of the problem, we hope to make cycling in Rotterdam safer and more attractive.

Conclusion

The fight against bicycle theft in Rotterdam requires a coordinated approach and a willingness to reconsider traditional methods. BIKEBAZE® is determined to be part of the solution by working with the community, government and business. Together, we can work on a safer cycling climate in Rotterdam and ultimately throughout the Netherlands.