All new and refurbished trains in European Union (EU) member states will have to include a dedicated space for bicycles following a successful campaign by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF).
As previously reported by CiTTi, the ECF, along with MEPs, had called for dedicated spaces for eight assembled bicycles on all new and refurbished trains in Europe. However, negotiations for the recast of the Rail Passengers’ Rights and Obligations Regulation has led to space for four bicycles.
The ECF said that whilst the change falls short of what it aimed for, the organisation still welcomed the decision, describing the ruling as a move in the right direction.
Jill Warren, co-CEO of the ECF, said: “We believe that this is a step forward for European cyclists and for multimodality. We are waiting to see the final text, but we understand that there will be a minimum number of four spaces for bicycles on all new and refurbished trains. We will continue to work with our members and other stakeholders to further develop the combination of these two sustainable transport modes.”
Under the new regulations rail operators will be encouraged to create plans to increase and improve the transport of bicycles as well as developing solutions to encourage the combined use of railways and bicycles. However, it will be a further four years before the changes are implemented following the regulation revision.
According to research by the ECF, bicycles were not allowed on board of 53% of the fastest train connections between major European cities. The organisation said it hopes this figure will decrease over time as rail companies bring in new and refurbished rolling stock equipped with a dedicated space for bicycles.
Some EU member states are said to have gone beyond the minimum requirement of four spaces, with Germany’s new InterCity Express trains already designed with a dedicated space for at least eight bicycles.
