An innovative bicycle parking hub piloted in Helsinki city center – Is this the solution to combating bicycle theft?

The innovation of this parking solution is that the user can park their bicycle and leave their belongings, such as their helmet and backpack, in the designated, lockable bicycle bay. The solution was developed by the Norwegian start-up Bikeloop. 

“According to the Helsinki Cycling Barometer (2022), Helsinki residents would like to see more bicycle parking solutions that protect against theft and vandalism,” building management planning officer Ari Koponen from Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd says.

“You can book a private parking space for your bike and leave your cycling gear, such as your helmet, securely in the facility. This makes running errands in the city and continuing your journey on other modes of transport, such as the train or tram, considerably easier,” Forum Virium Helsinki’s project manager Jussi Knuuttila adds.

The bicycle parking facility is located in a prime location in front of Kiasma, on the side of Kansalaistori Square, right next to the Baana cycling route, Musiikkitalo and the railway station. It is powered by electricity produced by wind power for Kiasma. 

Towards more sustainable transport

The solution is believed to promote both cycling and the use of public transport. In June, the City of Helsinki Environmental Report stated that transport is becoming the greatest contributor to emissions in Helsinki by 2025, meaning that reducing transport emissions through promoting cycling, for example, is increasingly critical in terms of Helsinki achieving its climate goals.

“By experimenting with an innovative parking solution like Bikeloop, we want to learn the pros and cons of the solution, and see how cyclists adopt the parking facility. The parking facility, which has eight bike bays, can be easily expanded, if necessary, because it is comprised of convenient modules,” Knuuttila says.

The experiment will continue until November. During this period, we will be trying to determine the appropriate hourly price for bicycle parking and the maximum time for bikes to be stored. Parking is free at first, and the maximum time for parking is eight hours at a time. Bookings will be made through the Bikeloop application.

The parking facility is made from Nordic wood and has aluminium doors. Special groups have been taken into account in the design, the lights and the sound signals. It is also possible to install a charging station for electric bicycles in the parking space. 

Photo and video: Vesa Laitinen.

The joint project by Forum Virium Helsinki and Business Helsinki, Mobility Lab Helsinki, offers companies opportunities to pilot smart mobility innovations in a genuine urban environment.