These Cities Could Benefit from Trondheim’s Ingenious Trampe Bicycle Lift

One of the most ingenious and, yes, wondrous examples of bicycle infrastructure is three decades old and can be found in a Norwegian town.

Imagine cycling through the idyllic streets of Trondheim, Norway, past vibrant wooden houses and glistening waterways, only to encounter the imposing Brubakken hill with its steep 20 per cent gradient.

Fear not, for Trondheim has a brilliant solution for cyclists: the Trampe bicycle lift. This unique and innovative ride effortlessly transforms what would otherwise be a challenging climb into a smooth and enjoyable experience, showcasing the city’s commitment to cycling accessibility and ingenuity.

A World-First Invention

Installed in August 1993, the Trampe bicycle lift was the brainchild of Jarle Wanwik. With the original goal of encouraging more cycling by reducing the physical barriers posed by steep inclines, this ingenious device was the first and only bicycle lift of its kind in the world at the time.

In 2013, it underwent an upgrade and was rebranded as the CycloCable by Skirail, a member of the Poma group, solidifying its status as a unique and enduring attraction.

How Does the Bicycle Lift Work?

The Trampe lift is designed to whisk you up the 130-meter stretch of Brubakken at a gentle speed of 1.5 to 2 meters per second. Using it is free and simple: cyclists place their right foot on the starting point, keep their left foot on the bike pedal, and press the start button. A footplate then emerges, propelling the rider up the hill. However, it’s not uncommon for first-timers to fumble a bit—keeping your right leg outstretched and your body tilted forward is the trick to maintaining balance and avoiding falls. If a cyclist loses their balance, the spring-loaded footplate disappears, ensuring safety for all users.

An Attraction for All

Trampe isn’t just a practical tool for local commuters; it’s also a popular tourist attraction. During the summer months, it sees heavy use from both locals and visitors, with the lift carrying between 20,000 and 30,000 cyclists annually. Up to five people can use the lift simultaneously, making it a communal experience and a unique feature of Trondheim’s urban landscape.

Operating daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Trampe bicycle lift is available for cyclists of all levels. With speeds tailored for both beginners and seasoned riders, the lift is an excellent way to encourage cycling and reduce the effort of tackling steep hills.

Bicycle lift

5 Other Cities Ideal for a Bicycle Lift

Here are five bicycle-friendly cities with challenging hills that could benefit from implementing a bicycle lift similar to the Trampe in Trondheim:

1. San Francisco, USA: Known for its iconic steep hills and bustling bike culture, a bicycle lift could provide a practical solution to ease the strain on cyclists commuting through the city’s famously challenging terrain.
2. Portland, USA: With a reputation as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States, Portland’s hilly neighborhoods like the West Hills area would greatly benefit from a bicycle lift, enhancing the city’s extensive cycling infrastructure.
3. Vancouver, Canada: Cycling is popular in Vancouver, but areas like North Vancouver present significant elevation changes. A bicycle lift could encourage more residents and tourists to explore these hilly regions by bike.
4. Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon’s narrow, winding streets and steep inclines make for a challenging ride. A bicycle lift would not only alleviate the difficulty of navigating the city’s hills but also complement its growing cycling infrastructure.
5. Wellington, New Zealand: Known for its strong winds and hilly landscape, Wellington can be a daunting city for cyclists. A bicycle lift could offer an attractive alternative for tackling the city’s inclines, promoting a more bike-friendly environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual tourist, the Trampe bicycle lift offers a novel and efficient way to navigate Trondheim. The only question is why only one? Let’s roll these out.