Taking a bicycle along in public transport not ultimate solution

  • Soort:Artikelen Fietsverkeer
  • Author:Maarten Reith
  • Uitgever:Fietsverkeer 25
  • Datum:08-06-2010
In the Netherlands there is a strong belief in chain mobility: travel to the station by bicycle and - with a second bicycle - from the station to the office. People have grown used to it, but why not take along your own bicycle in train or bus? That often saves an additional bicycle and a parking space. A recent Flemish international inventory of take-your-bike-along systems in public transport demonstrates, however, that the opportunities are limited.

  • Among other projects the study focuses on several Dutch initiatives to take a bicycle along in public transport. Currently bicycles may be taken along in the bus through the Westerscheldetunnel, a short stretch between two stops, instituted as compensation for the disappearance of a ferry service. However, this is barely used. In addition to failed experiments and bike travel buses mentioned in the study, there are opportunities in Amsterdam (ferries, metro and IJtram), Rotterdam (metro) and Den Haag (RandstadRail). In Amsterdam, for instance, bicycles may be taken along in the metro and tram 26 (IJtram) at reduced rates. Special locations have been designated to that purpose in the vehicles. In December of 2008 Stadsregio Rotterdam has decided after a few months’ trial that bicycles may be taken along in the metro free of charge on weekends and outside rush hours, as well as after 18.30 hours. In addition there is the successful waterbus connection between Dordrecht and Rotterdam used on a daily basis by many cyclists. Outside rush hours and on weekends it is possible to take along a bicycle on NS trains at a fixed rate, irrespective of distance (day ticket bicycle: 6 Euros). Other train companies allow bicycles to be taken along as well, for instance on the light rail route Dordrecht-Geldermalsen, aka the MerwedeLingelijn (Arriva). The interest has been beyond expectations. Finally there is also a trial with bike carriers on the front of the bus. This is prohibited in Europe, due to traffic safety regulations and to protect vulnerable road users. Yet a consortium of Volvo Nederland, Veolia Transport and research institute N[able] is investigating the possibilities on buses in Gelderland. The Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management has granted an exemption to this end. Summing up, the report states that the bicycle may be successful in public transport on connecting, national routes, but not on distributing routes. The report therefore recommends focusing exclusively on bicycle rental in urban areas and connective stops.

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Taking a bicycle along in public transport not ultimate solution

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