The study examined the status quo of bycicle parking at German railway stations, identified existing obstacles and, on this basis, formulated recommendations at various levels for the extensive roll-out of B+R facilities.
The background to the study is the potential for shifting private car rides to train and bicycle rides. The great potentials of the intermodal use of bicycle and train become clear by looking at the Netherlands, the best case for B+R parking at railway stations. There, 46% of rail travelers use the bicycle on their way to the station. In Germany, the rate is significantly lower.
The results of the surveys and analyses suggest that there is a great overall need for bicycle parking systems at railway stations, today, but especially in the future. An estimate within the framework of the project showed a need for 1.5 million bicycle parking spaces at German stations, 1 million of these at the 1,000 busiest stations.
In order to increase this potential, the main players in bicycle parking - the local authorities - but also the federal and state governments and Deutsche Bahn must become active and implement a common strategic approach. This is because the offer of bicycle parking systems at railway stations has been very heterogeneous so far - depending on funding practice and political will.
Study "Bicycle Parking at Railway Stations"
Recommendations for the nationwide expansion of intermodal links between cycling and rail
The study "Bicycle Parking at Railway Stations" commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure as part of the mobility and fuel strategy of the Federal Government focuses on the intermodal link between bicycle and train. It makes recommendations on how attractive bicycle parking facilities can be implemented across Germany at railway stations.
Core findings from the project
- The construction of larger bicycle parking systems across the country at high-volume stations cannot be achieved with current financing approaches or existing organisational structures.
- A strategic approach is recommended in which both the federal government and Deutsche Bahn AG play a central role regarding financing and implementation.
- Existing support programmes are suitable for financing small and medium-sized systems, but need to be adapted
- Coordination centres are needed. Responsibilities must be clearly defined.
- There is a need for appropriate processes at DB, the federal states and local authorities for rapid, complete and systematic identification and clarification of adequate areas for bicycle parking systems.
- A modular construction concept developed in the project as well as a sample cost calculation will support the actors in planning and implementation of construction projects - regardless of their size.
