12 August 2026 – Zuid-Holland Bereikbaar and Drop Mobility, commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat, have made 500 e-bikes available to commuters who regularly travel between the Krimpenerwaard and Capelle aan den IJssel during the closure of the Algerabrug. Participants can use the e-bike free of charge for five weeks as an alternative to travelling by car. All available bikes have now been allocated as part of a package of accessibility measures introduced around the works on the Algerabrug.
Under normal circumstances, around 47,000 vehicles use the Algerabrug every day. During the five-week closure, Rijkswaterstaat has warned of delays of more than an hour, making alternative travel options to the car essential.
The e-bike initiative was developed in collaboration with Zuid-Holland Bereikbaar. Participants received a new e-bike which they can use for five weeks for their daily commute.
The e-bikes are specifically intended for people who regularly cross the Algerabrug for work. Participants travel an average of 8 to 15 kilometres per journey and cross the bridge at least three times a week. Based on these minimum usage requirements alone, the 500 e-bikes will account for at least 15,000 bridge crossings and approximately 150,000 kilometres travelled by bike during the initiative.
Participants’ journeys are automatically recorded via the ReisWijs app. The app is part of Zuid-Holland Bereikbaar’s rewards programme and also supports other initiatives aimed at reducing disruption caused by the bridge closure. In addition to the e-bike initiative, shared bikes and water-based transport options — including water taxis and additional Waterbus services — are being deployed to provide travellers with attractive alternatives to the car.
"Because the Algerabrug will be closed for four weeks and the diversion is substantial, some commuters need a bike of their own that they can use every day throughout the closure period. That is why we opted for a loan scheme with Drop Mobility. The fact that all 500 bikes have been allocated and that there is even a waiting list shows that this approach meets a clear need," says Tim Wille, Mobility Project Manager at Zuid-Holland Bereikbaar.
For the initiative, Drop Mobility is providing the Tringo One, an e-bike developed in-house for consumers. The company is best known for its shared mobility solutions for businesses, campuses and public authorities. By deploying the Tringo One, Drop Mobility demonstrates that it can also provide tailored solutions in situations where a shared bike system is not the most suitable option.
"The closure of the Algerabrug calls for smart alternatives to travelling by car. Thanks to this collaboration, hundreds of commuters can continue their journeys without having to sit in traffic every day. Every motorist who switches to cycling helps improve traffic flow while experiencing first-hand just how attractive a sustainable travel option can be," says Teun Verschuren, CEO and Co-founder of Drop Mobility.