"Cycling and rail travel are perfect partners. The combination provides a ‘doorstep-to-
destination’ option for longer-distance journeys which might otherwise be possible only by car.

It is also a really simple way to set about tackling a whole range of problems all in one go: obesity, air pollution, congestion and climate change to name but a few.”

Jon Snow, CTC President

Cycle-rail integration - CTC policy

CTC believes rail operators should promote travel by the cycle rail combination by providing:

1. Good cycle parking and storage facilities;
2. Good access to, from, through and within stations (e.g. including wheeling ramps);
3. Dedicated space for cycle carriage on trains, with additional 'flexible' capacity as required (e.g. tip-up seating);
4. Convenient ticketing and cycle reservation systems;
5. Information about and promotion of cycle-rail travel opportunities;
6. Consultation with cycle users and monitoring of the effectiveness of cycle-rail initiatives.

The benefits of the cycle-rail combination - to the travelling public, for public policy, for local economies and rail operators themselves - are summarised here.

Make the 'Super Express' better for bikes

The Government is currently working up the final details for a new train to replace the current Inter-city 125 fleet that has been operating on the Great Western, East Coast and Midland main lines. The new train, called 'Super Express' will begin service in 2013.

Currently the plans for the new trains include space for 4 cycles, though it is unclear whether the space provided will be reserved only for cycles or may also be a flexible luggage space. CTC's policy is to have adequate cycle-only spaces with additional flexible space that can be used for luggage, buggies or cycles as required.

CTC will shortly be asking members to support a campaign to improve the new trains shortly. Watch this space.

In the meantime, please put any experiences you have by cycle/rail on CTC's forum here.