The stunning new Ede-Wageningen Station impresses with parking for 5,000 bicycles

The recently inaugurated Ede-Wageningen station in the Netherlands city of Ede marks a significant milestone in accessible and sustainable travel infrastructure. Developed by the EdesPoort consortium, including Van Hattum and Blankevoort, VolkerRail, and Van Wijnen, the station’s modern amenities were recently unveiled to commuters.

The secure bicycle parking facility at the station accommodates up to 5,000 bikes, offering peace of mind for cyclists. Alternatively, free bike parking behind the Friso barracks is available, albeit less conveniently located. Plans for an additional unsecured bike parking on the north side of the station are underway, though it will not be accessible for some time.

Constructed over four years to accommodate the burgeoning population and increased rail traffic, the station’s design prioritizes accessibility for all travelers, featuring escalators, elevators, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Moreover, the station’s timber construction, equipped with solar panels and sustainable roofing, underscores its commitment to environmental responsibility.

“What a transformation Ede-Wageningen station has undergone. From the roof with the beautiful large wooden triangles, new tracks, a modern bicycle shed to the tower with the clock. Beautiful!” said Karen te Boome, director of ProRail Stations.

Secure bicycle parking facilities around transit hubs like this rail station are essential for providing active travel options from door-to-door for commuters traveling into city centers for work and play. It’s something that hasn’t happened on a large scale in North America yet, but hopefully it will soon.

Ede-Wageningen station

Sustainable Materials

The new station prioritizes accessibility and sustainability. Equipped with a bus plaza and P&R, the station ensures ease of access for individuals with disabilities, featuring escalators, elevators, and tactile guidelines for the visually impaired. Platform heights have been adjusted to facilitate seamless boarding and alighting.

Notably, the station stands as one of the country’s largest timber construction projects, boasting environmental benefits such as CO2 storage. Solar panels adorn the roof, providing renewable energy, while sedum insulation enhances solar panel efficiency. Additionally, the station employs eco-friendly practices by infiltrating precipitation into the immediate surroundings, exemplifying its commitment to sustainable design and operation.

Despite the successful inauguration, the station’s development is ongoing, with plans to finalize additional amenities, such as the North and South Squares and a new parking garage, by spring 2026. The completion of these projects will solidify Ede-Wageningen station as a hub for sustainable and efficient transportation in the region.