On 4 October 2024, the International Union of Railways (UIC) held an online workshop as part of the UIC Customer Experience Working Group (CEMP) titled “Optimising Bikes and Luggage Transportation in Railway Systems.” The event brought together industry experts and policymakers to explore practical and sustainable solutions for integrating bicycles and luggage into railway services, with a focus on enhancing the overall customer experience.

The discussions underscored the growing need for multimodal transport solutions that seamlessly integrate cycling and train travel, reflecting broader European initiatives towards sustainable mobility. One of the key themes was how to better accommodate the increased demand for bike transport on trains, driven by the goal of minimizing emissions during the  first and last mile of journeys.

Jorge Morera Ballester, a member of EPF’s  Management Board, took part in the event as a panelist during the session on “Balancing Accessibility, Capacity, and Sustainability in Railway Services.” Jorge’s presentation emphasised several critical points:

• Safety as a priority – he reiterated that all forms of luggage, including mobility devices onboard a train, must be ensured to be safe, and the integrity of passengers must also be guaranteed;
• Flexible spaces – Jorge highlighted the need for flexible spaces within train designs, which can be adapted to the varying demands of passengers at different times;
• Ethical and thoughtful design – he emphasised that railway services must combine thoughtful design with an ethical approach to cater to diverse passenger needs. Communication and awareness are very important in addressing the diverse needs of passengers, which can sometimes conflict and at some point, prioritization may be necessary.

The workshop also featured contributions from key industry players. Jan Brumagne, from the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, highlighted recent EU transport initiatives, including Regulation 2021/782, which strengthens passenger rights and encourages retrofitting of trains to allow for more bike-friendly spaces.

Fabian Küster, representing the European Cyclists’ Federation, highlighted the importance of addressing both hardware (rolling stock, stations) and software (communication, policies) to enhance bike carriage. Alessandro Vannucchi from Hitachi provided insights into modular train designs that increase storage flexibility for luggage and bicycles, improving both passenger comfort and accessibility.

The workshop featured best practices from Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Italy, and other countries. These case studies revealed strategies for improving bicycle integration, such as:

• Bicycle-friendly fares and secure bike parking at stations;
• Improved signage and the integration of bike reservations into digital booking systems.

For more information, find the presentations from the event here.