The Johannes Postkazerne in Havelte is hardly accessible by public transport. That is why, as of today, there are twelve electric shared bicycles that allow staff to get to the barracks more easily and move around the site more easily.
Colonel Huub Klein Schaarsberg is happy with the bicycles and believes that they will be put to good use: “The supply will generate the demand.”
In January 2021, the plug was pulled on the bus connection between Havelte and Steenwijk. For people who do not have a bicycle or car, it is now quite an undertaking to get to the barracks. From the bus stop at Havelterberg, travelers face a 45-minute walk. With the electric shared bicycle it will take you just under 15 minutes.
The bicycle sharing project started with four hubs in the Overijssel municipality of Steenwijkerland. The plan is to grow to thirty hubs with 150 electric bicycles this year, spread across Drenthe, Overijssel and the Noordoostpolder. Five municipalities in these regions are already participating.
According to project leader Frans Hamstra of the municipality of Steenwijkerland, it is fantastic that an employer like Defense is participating. According to Hamstra, there is also interest from other municipalities and employers.
You can reserve, unlock and pay for a bicycle via an app: “If you pick up a bicycle in the Noordoostpolder, you can return it in Havelte.”