Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do you need a bicycle lift?
It effectively helps promote cycling. In Trondheim, people have at least one bicycle each. A lot of them have not been used for several years. The Bicycle Lift inspires to pedal the bike again.
2. Don't people need the exercise?
People using the bicycle as a means of transport do not necessarily want to get very warm and sweaty. And taking on the bicycle will keep them in better shape regardless.
3. When was Trampe installed?
In August 1993. It was authorized for unmanned operation in May 1994. In the time interval 1993-1998, Trampe was a test project.
4. Is the Bicycle Lift much in use?
Normally, there are 20-30 000 trips per year.
5. How long is the lift?
The one in Trondheim is 130 meters long.
6. How long can a bicycle lift be?
Based on calculation, there is a maximum length of 400 meters.
7. What is the speed of the lift?
1.5-2 meters per second.
8. What is the transport capacity?
Maximum 300 cyclist per hour, and ideally, five cyclists can take the lift simultaneously. One can enter the lift every 12th second.
9. How is the technical design?
Its functionality is reminiscent of that of a ski lift. It consists of a wire rope with 11 foot plates attached to the rope. On its way downhill, the foot plates are cleaning the lift channel. At the starting point, there is an accelerator (kind of piston) to make the start easier. The foot plate takes over the cyclist after the accelerator. At the top of the hill, you find the 5,5 kW electric motor. For a more thorough description, go to the 'Technology' section.
10. Is the Bicycle Lift patented?
Yes.
11. Have there been any accidents?
Since the opening back in 1993, there have been no accidents.
12. Do you need a strong leg to take Trampe?
No, it is more or less a matter of technique. Unless performed correctly, the Bicycle Lift may seem exhausting. It is extremely important to move the body weight from the bicycle to the footplate.
13. How much do you charge for using the lift?
You can either buy or-if a tourist or one-timer-rent a key card. The rental is for free, and for 100 NOK per year, you will have your own keycard.
14. What are the building costs?
8-10 000 NOK per meter - pretty much the same building costs as an ordinary bicycle road in urban areas.
15. Who is the owner of Trampe?
Design Management AS owns all the patents and licenses. The prototype in Brubakken, Trampe, belongs to the Public Road Administration. Together with the Municipality of Trondheim, the Public Road Administration also pays for the administration of Trampe. Design Management AS is hired to see to and maintain the stability of the prototype.
16. Why haven't there been any Bicycle Lift installations since Trampe?
The bicycle lift TRAMPE and the CycloCable® (POMA) are the two only bicycle lifts in the world. Still there is a lot of competition in the market. We are not competing in technology but in bicycle infrastructure investments. The bicycle lift is only one option within bicycle transport infrastructure. In every town and city there is a great need of bicycle road building, bicycle lane building, bicycle bridges, bicycle parking facilities, cycling security issues, cycling campaigns etc. Up till 5 years ago there has not been so much money available for the investment in bicycle infrastructure. This situation has quite dramatically changed in recent years.
The national and local politicians and municipal authorities have become aware of the great advantages of cycling in towns and cities. More and more politicians are now promoting cycling as an efficient tool to reduce traffic congestion, car parking problems, and increased town centre accessibility, and last but not least improved public and personal health. We have reasons to believe that the ever increasing effort among politicians to improve the cities bicycle infrastructure will eventually result in increasing demand for bicycle lifts as well.
Both Design Management AS and POMA are now following up a number of cities in Europe, USA, Canada and Far East countries like South Korea. They have all plans for installing bicycle lifts in the coming years. However we and POMA are not yet expecting a rush simply because of the large uncovered need for basic bicycle infrastructure such as bicycle roads in most cities.