The number of parking spaces has drastically risen in recent years and as a result it has become more challenging to find one’s bike again. That is why coloured steel balls have been installed at the entrance of the two-tier parking gangways in Zwolle. Cyclist who choose to park in the row marked by their favourite colour can locate their bikes more easily when they return. That is, at any rate, the concept and the trial should prove if this will really be the case.
The current trend, which is expected to continue in coming years, is to expand the use of multi-tier parking for bicycles. Just as with car parking, increasing use of letters, numbers and colours is being made to mark the location of vehicles.
In the meantime other pilots aim to exploit existing parking garages more effectively. As an example, bike racks in the parking areas in Utrecht, Groningen and Zutphen are fitted with electronic switches which indicate when they are empty.