A dedicated Bike Train could be introduced to encourage more people to travel by bike and train, said the Association of Community Rail Partnerships on 14 July 2004.

"This could use a surplus two-carriage train specially adapted for carrying large numbers of cyclists and their bikes," said ACoRP general manager Dr Paul Salveson.

"We were impressed by the ‘Bicycle Express’ on the Karlsruhe light rail system. It uses an old tram which is no longer required for regular service.

"The seats have been taken out and it carries about 100 bikes. Cyclists can relax in the adjoining car on their journey up into the hills – and have a great ride cycling back down!"

ACoRP is aware that some Pacer type trains will become surplus to requirements in the next three years and this offers a great opportunity to take cyclists out from major centres of population to the countryside.

In its submission to the Strategic Rail Authority's consultation on bikes and trains, ACoRP said more rail users should get on their bikes.

It welcomed the SRA's draft Cycling Policy, consultation on which closed on 14 July.

"There are great opportunities for the railways to promote cycling," said ACoRP chair Peter Roberts.

"This is particularly so in popular tourist areas. We want to see more bike hire facilities at stations and improved accommodation for bikes on trains where space and loadings permit. In addition, encouraging regular commuters to get on their bikes to their local station, rather than using the car, makes lots of sense when car parking space is in short supply."

ACoRP suggests ‘cycling centres’ at major stations where not only bike hire, but cycle repair facilities for regular commuters, advice and information for tourists on off-road routes or quiet lanes, and catering facilities are available.

Lancaster Station Cyclepoint is hailed as an excellent example which should be developed elsewhere. Similar initiatives at Brockenhurst, Moreton-in-Marsh and Southminster have proved very successful.

Modern trains have limited space for carrying bikes and heavy luggage. ACoRP recognises this but argues for ‘flexible space’ in local trains which can accommodate a number of cycles and other luggage. ACoRP argues for good quality, safe cycling parking at all stations. These should be located in well-supervised areas where risk of theft is minimised.
The full response is available on the ACoRP website http://www.acorp.uk.com from the end of this week.

The Railfuture response can be seen by clicking on Briefings on the left of the Railfuture website.

Information from the Association of Community-Rail Partnerships
Brian Jackson Centre, New North Parade, Huddersfield HD1 5JP Phone: 01484 549737 Fax: 01484 544234 mobile: 07971 884241
Email: paul at acorp.uk.com