As global passenger mobility is expected to rise by 50% by 2030, it is becoming increasingly important to integrate different modes of transport to create a mobility network, that can effectively serve the modern European citizen’s needs.  Combined bike and train journeys, are the ideal solution for environmentally sustainable mobility, and can provide a genuine alternative to the private motor vehicle in seamless door-to-door journeys, whether for recreation or everyday mobility. 

Whilst some railway undertakings are making efforts in terms of measures within stations (e.g. cycle parking), it is often complicated to find out information about the availability of cycle carriage and there are still many international and long distance services in particular that have no such services at all. This limits the movement of European citizens, indirectly promotes unsustainable modes of transport and restricts the potential of cycle tourism – it is estimated that this important sector of the tourism industry already contributes €44 billion to the European economy every year.

It is for this reason that one of the key advocacy topics of ECF right now is the work on the review of the European Regulation on “ Rail Passengers' Rights and Obligations." First adopted back in 2007, the regulation includes a specific Article on the carriage of bicycles.  On  27th September 2017, the European Commission published its proposal for a ‘Recast’ of the legislation (the document is available here)  and it will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (i.e. the Member States). ECF will lobby to achieve the best possible solution for the cyclists’ rights on this issue and continue to collaborate with our members.

If you have any comments or questions regarding this process don't hesitate to let us know.

Contact:
Ed Lancaster
Senior Policy Officer – Cycling Tourism and Regional Policy
e.lancaster@ecf.com