Frequently asked questions about bicycle rack hire for events

Anyone looking to hire bicycle racks for an event for the first time typically has the same questions: how many racks are needed, how much space will they take up, what is the cost, and when does it need to be arranged? This page sets out the answers clearly, along with the practical guidelines for hiring bicycle racks at an event that we use in every preparation ourselves. That way, you will know exactly where you stand within a few minutes.

The most important rules of thumb at a glance

If you want to make a quick initial estimate for your event, start with these figures from our experience:

  • expect 30 to 40 per cent of your visitors to arrive by bicycle
  • one rack holds 14 to 20 bicycles, depending on the model
  • allow approximately 1.4 square metres per bicycle, including walkways
  • for large events, book 4 to 6 months in advance

With those four figures, you can work out a rough estimate in just a few minutes. An event with 10,000 visitors of whom 35 per cent arrive by bicycle requires around 3,500 bicycle parking spaces, that is roughly 175 to 250 racks and approximately half a football pitch in space. We make calculations like this every day, and in the quotation we work them out precisely on the basis of your site plan and expected visitor numbers.

All the questions and answers below are drawn from conversations with organisers of festivals, sporting events and city celebrations. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, scroll to the bottom to find out how to reach us, you will simply speak to someone who knows.

So you prepare bicycle parking properly

The questions on this page tend to follow a natural order, and that order is itself a useful preparation. Start with numbers: how many visitors do you expect, and how many of them will arrive by bicycle? Look at comparable events in your region and consider how accessible your venue is; a site next to a railway station and cycle routes will sit at the higher end of the 30 to 40 per cent range, while a more remote location will fall towards the lower end.

Next, consider location: where on the site will the cycle parking be placed? The ideal spot is along the natural route visitors take towards the entrance, not on whatever space happened to be left over. Parking that requires a detour will be avoided, and cyclists will end up leaning their bikes against your fences anyway. Finally, the planning: confirm your booking as soon as the date is set, and schedule installation well before the first visitors or suppliers arrive.

Work through these three steps and you will have completed ninety per cent of the job. The rest is execution, and that is our responsibility: transport, installation, and a clean site with no trace left behind once the event is over.

From enquiry to organised parking

A FAQ answers the initial questions, but every location has its own challenges. Here is how it works: you read the answers below that apply to every event, and for everything that is location-specific, you send us the site map and your expected visitor numbers. We will come back to you with a concrete proposal: the model, the number of sections, the layout and a single all-in price. You can read more about the models and the rental process at fietsenrek huren; if you are looking for a complete staffed cycle parking solution with additional services, please visit fietsenstalling huren.

If you are arranging a fietsenrek huren solution for a recurring event, it is well worth sharing the actual usage figures with us after the first edition. We retain the layout details and the counts, so that every subsequent edition can be budgeted more accurately than the last. In this way, the FAQ naturally becomes shorter: the answers will simply be part of your own event management plan.

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All frequently asked questions about bicycle rack rental

For what types of events can I hire bicycle racks?
For virtually any type of event: music festivals, sporting events, city celebrations, trade fairs, corporate events, open days and markets. As long as your visitors are arriving by bicycle, we will arrange a suitable temporary bicycle parking facility.
How many bicycle racks do I need for my event?
This depends on the number of expected visitors and how cycle-oriented your event is. As a rule of thumb, approximately 30 to 40 percent of visitors arrive by bicycle. Based on your visitor numbers, location and type of event, we will put together a concrete proposal for the number of racks and the most suitable layout.
How many bicycles fit in one rack?
Depending on the model, between 14 and 20 bicycles per section. Our Event® rack accommodates 20 bicycles per 3-metre section; more robust models offer slightly more space per bicycle. We always ensure sufficient space between bicycles for a smooth flow of traffic.
In which regions do you deliver bicycle racks?
Throughout the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, and further afield by arrangement. Please provide the exact location when submitting your quote request, so we can immediately confirm the options and transport costs.
Can you also arrange the installation and removal of the bicycle racks?
Yes. The choice is yours: delivery only, where you install the racks yourself, or a fully managed service. In the latter case, we coordinate the transport, set up the parking facility according to the agreed layout, and collect everything once the event is over.
How does the process work from enquiry to installation?
You submit a quote request with the date, location and an estimate of the number of visitors. We advise on the number of racks and the layout. Once agreed, we schedule the delivery and any installation and dismantling, and collect the racks after the event.
How far in advance should I reserve bicycle racks?
For large events, we recommend booking at least 4 to 6 months in advance, particularly during peak season. For smaller events, a shorter lead time is often possible, but the earlier you book, the better we can guarantee availability and planning.
Do you also offer additional services such as stewards or signage?
Yes. Stewards direct visitors to available spaces and supervise the parking facility; signage ensures visitors can easily find the facility and know where parking is and is not permitted. Please include your requirements when submitting your enquiry.
Are the bicycle racks suitable for e-bikes and other types of bicycles?
Our racks are suitable for the most common types of bicycles, including city bikes, e-bikes and many sports bikes. If you are expecting a large number of cargo bikes, road bikes or non-standard sizes, please let us know and we will advise on the best solution, for example, our Sport® rack for road bikes.
How much space do I need for a bicycle parking facility?
Allow approximately 1.4 square metres per bicycle, including walkways. When preparing your quote, we will propose the most efficient layout for your site, taking into account pedestrian routes and sightlines.
Can you take safety and emergency exit requirements into account?
Yes. When designing the parking facility, we take into account emergency exits, routes for emergency services, and requirements from local authorities or the fire service, ensuring the facility complies with all applicable local regulations.
What does it cost to hire bicycle racks?
The price depends on the number of racks, the hire period, the location and transport distance, and any additional services such as installation and dismantling, stewards and signage. After submitting your enquiry, you will receive a no-obligation quote with a single all-inclusive price.
Is hiring bicycle racks a sustainable choice?
Yes. A well-organised bicycle parking facility encourages visitors to arrive by bicycle rather than by car, reducing traffic pressure and emissions in the vicinity of your event.
Can you help with promoting cycling to our event?
We are happy to assist with communications aimed at your visitors, for example, with copy and tips for your website, tickets and social media, making it clear that ample bicycle parking is available.
How do I request a quote?
Via the quote form on the website, or directly by telephone or e-mail. Please always include the date, location, an estimate of the number of visitors and the type of event, so we can provide you with a suitable proposal promptly.
Can I also purchase bicycle racks instead of hiring them?
Yes. For recurring events or permanent locations, we sell the same racks, both new and used from our own hire fleet. It is also possible to combine hiring and purchasing: own racks for the permanent core capacity and hired racks for peak demand.

Is your question not listed here?

Call us or include your question with the quote request. You will receive a response from someone who sets up cycle parking on a daily basis, and for a bicycle rack hire enquiry you will receive a complete proposal straight away, including quantities, layout and price for your event.