Bikeloop launches Pulse – a free decision-making tool for board members in housing cooperatives and condominiums

Housing cooperatives and condominiums are increasingly facing challenges related to bicycle theft, capacity shortages, fire safety, charging electric bikes, and outdated bicycle rooms. At the same time, developments in electric and cargo bikes have made bicycles a far more valuable mode of transport than before. For many boards, it is challenging to make informed decisions without a comprehensive overview. Bikeloop Pulse has been developed to provide the board with this insight – before measures are considered.

“Far too many boards today have to make important decisions based on assumptions, isolated inputs, or loud voices. With Bikeloop Pulse, the board gets a common factual basis that combines resident insights, market data, and trends – and shows where it is actually most effective to take action”, says Christen Rieker, Sales Director at Bikeloop.

Collecting the board's assessments, resident needs, and market insights

Bikeloop Pulse combines the board's own assessments, resident surveys, building data, and external market data in one intuitive dashboard. The solution provides an overview of:

• The biggest challenges related to bicycle parking at the property

• How well the board's assumptions align with residents' experiences

• Risks related to theft, safety, and capacity shortages

• Development trends in electric and cargo bikes

• Which measures should be prioritized – and why

This gives the board an objective and documentable decision-making basis, which can be used in board meetings, general assemblies, and in dialogue with property managers and residents.

“When the board gains insight into both needs, risks, and development in the market, decisions become better – and much easier to explain”, says Rieker.

More expensive and heavier bikes impose new requirements for parking and security

Modern electric and cargo bikes are both more expensive, heavier, and larger than before. Many bikes today have a value of tens of thousands of kroner, which raises the demands for both suitable parking space and security against theft.

Many existing bicycle rooms are not adapted to this development. The result is increased risk of:

• Theft and burglary

• Damage to bikes and common areas

• Misuse of stairs and escape routes

• Conflicts among residents

Bikeloop Pulse illustrates how today's solutions work in practice, and what requirements modern bikes place on space, accessibility, and security.

“As the value of bicycles increases, so do the expectations for safe parking. Pulse helps the board to understand this shift – and to take action before the challenges become larger”, says Rieker.

Fire safety and safe charging of electric bikes

Increased use of electric bikes imposes new requirements for fire safety and safe charging in housing cooperatives and condominiums. Many buildings currently lack suitable solutions, and the board often lacks an overview of practices and risks.

Bikeloop Pulse provides the board insight into:

• If and where electric bikes are charged today

• Potential fire risks in existing bicycle rooms

• Recommended principles for safe charging

• How charging can be organized in a structured and safe manner

“Fire and charging are areas where the board needs facts and structure – not fear. Pulse is about providing overview and security, so that the right measures can be considered in time”, says Rieker.

Overview of support schemes and better financing

In addition, Bikeloop Pulse provides the board with an overview of relevant support schemes, grants, and financing opportunities related to bicycle facilitation, mobility, and sustainable initiatives.

“Many boards are not aware of what support schemes actually exist. Pulse makes it easier to see what opportunities can contribute to better financing and lower burdens for residents”, says Rieker.

This gives the board a better foundation for planning investments over time.

Free for housing cooperatives and condominiums

Bikeloop Pulse is offered free of charge and non-binding to housing cooperatives and condominiums.

“We have chosen to make Pulse free because good insight must come first. The board should understand the needs, risks, and financing opportunities before they make decisions about investments”, says Rieker.

The use of Bikeloop Pulse is free. Any measures are considered only after the board has obtained a complete overview and a solid decision-making basis.

A stronger tool for board work

With Bikeloop Pulse, the board gets:

• Better control over needs, risks, and development

• Insight into trends and market data

• Overview of support schemes and financing

• A professional basis for long-term decisions

“When decisions are made based on facts, they are also easier to stand by. Our goal is to make board work safer, easier, and more predictable”, concludes Rieker.

Would you like to know more about Bikeloop Pulse, or start an analysis? You can find the solution here https://pulse.bikeloop.no. Please feel free to contact us if you would like assistance in conducting the analysis.