The new bike parking beneath Amare is a fantastic example of multi-modal infrastructure integrated with a cultural landmark. It shows that cycling is a core part of how people access the city’s social and commercial life; nudging behaviour and creating a centre that is accessible to every resident.🔚

“Cyclists like to park as close as possible to their destination, but in a busy city centre, that’s not always possible. With this new parking facility, we’re offering an appealing alternative that contributes to a safe and accessible public space,” explains Deputy Mayor of Mobility Arjen Kapteijns.

As in many Dutch cities, the challenge is no longer simply providing bike parking, but doing so well: secure, dry, accessible yet out of the way of pedestrian flows. This means fewer bikes locked in less optimal places; reducing clutter, improving safety, and contributing to an orderly public space.

At over 100 hectares, The Hague's Healthy Core is one of the largest and most successful autoluwe centrums ("low-car centers") in the Benelux. It is based on a series of carrots and sticks; including a plan to provide a free, guarded bike parking facility within a 200 metre radius of every location.

Hope you (and others) can join us in a few weeks! bsky.app/profile/moda...

Vice Mayor Eddie Förster: “The Nieuwe Mark is a milestone that not only brings water back to the heart of Breda, but a piece of its soul. We're giving something precious: flowing, living water—and with it, a new place to walk, sail, meet, play and enjoy... where history flows and the future grows.”🔚

Positively and proactively communicating these benefits was critical in building a broad coalition of support with residents, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders. By focusing on everything they had to gain—rather than lose—an environment was created that helps the project reach its full potential.

The project strongly aligns with the municipality's ambition of "The city of Breda, centrally located in a green park", while contributing to myriad broader objectives such as climate adaptation, biodiversity, nature inclusivity, innovation, recreation, tourism, social cohesion, and quality of life.

Breda has historically been a car city, and in their infinite wisdom, its post-war planners filled in and rerouted the Mark River around the centre to make room for the car. But now, the waterway is being brought bank into the city, while introducing plants, trees, mosses, and fauna along its banks.

By elevating something as mundane as a cycling bridge into a civic landmark, the Nesciobrug has inspired projects in Copenhagen, London, and even farther afield. Its blend of functionality, elegance, and accessibility feels like a vision of the future—one Amsterdam realised years ahead of its time.🔚

Making it beautiful and practical was no small feat, as it spans one of Europe’s busiest shipping routes—demanding generous clearance. To achieve this height without steep gradients, it features long, spiralling ramps that curve elegantly on both sides, keeping the slope gentle enough for all users.

Built in 2006, the bridge links the IJburg neighbourhood with the mainland. Before its construction, residents faced a long and circuitous route to reach the city centre. The Nesciobrug provides the missing link—a direct, safe, scenic route for traveling between the new islands and Amsterdam proper.