Askøy municipality focuses on safe bicycle parking at Erdal secondary school

Erdal youth school has over 270 students and around 45 staff, and the new bicycle parking will help ensure that both students and staff have a safer place to park their bikes throughout the school day.

The installation is provided by Brødrene Dahl, which is Bikeloop's dealer in Western Norway. The collaboration makes it easier to adopt modern and secure bicycle parking solutions in municipalities and public projects in the region.

Safe parking reduces the risk of bicycle theft

Bicycle theft is a widespread problem in Norway. In 2024, over 16,000 bicycle thefts were reported to insurance companies, with compensation payments of around 176 million kroner. (source: Finans Norge - Bicycle theft)

Fear of theft also affects how people use their bikes. Studies show that many opt for other means of transport because they are afraid their bike will be stolen, and almost two out of three have experienced bicycle theft or know someone who has.

When the bike needs to be parked for many hours – as it does during a school day – the need for safe parking becomes even more important.

With Bikeloop NEST, users gain access to a locked and secure parking solution, where the bikes are protected throughout the day.

The solution provides:

• secure parking in a closed facility

• easy access for users (students and administration)

• better organization and overview of the bicycle parking

This helps reduce the risk of theft and vandalism while also creating a more tidy and attractive school environment.

May contribute to more students biking to school

National surveys show that around 64 percent of children walk or cycle to school, while the goal in the National Transport Plan is 80 percent. Among middle school students, the percentage is even lower, and studies show that only about half bike or walk to school in the summer months. This means Norway is still a long way from the national goal for active school commutes. (Source: Statens Vegvesen - 64 percent of children walk or cycle to school | Statens Vegvesen)

At the same time, research indicates that fear of bicycle theft and lack of bicycle parking are barriers to cycling, and that better and safer parking can encourage more people to choose cycling. (Source: TØI - Bicycle parking in Oslo: A population survey on how lack of parking and fear of theft affects cycling behavior - Transportøkonomisk institutt)

By providing secure bicycle parking at Erdal youth school, Askøy municipality aims to make it easier for more students to choose an active and environmentally friendly route to school.

A collaboration for a more bike-friendly everyday life

The installation of Bikeloop NEST at Erdal youth school is a concrete measure to make the school route more bike-friendly. An active route to school not only results in lower emissions but also important health benefits for children and young people.

Through the collaboration between Askøy municipality, Bikeloop, and Brødrene Dahl, a new step is now being taken towards smarter and safer bicycle parking in the region – along with better facilitation for cycling in everyday life.