Extension of bicycle transport service via cycle buses

Summary

This measure will help improve services for public transport passengers interested in combining cycling with public transport.

Implementing sustainable mobility

The measure will introduce a new service for public transport passengers:

• The public transport company of Brno (DPMB) has designated a limited amount of space for prams or wheelchairs in all vehicles (trams, buses, trolley buses). As remaining space can be used for bicycle transport as well, one to two bikes could be transported in every vehicle, keeping in mind that passengers with baby cots or wheelchairs always have priority over passengers with bicycles.
• Such a strategy is important since the landscape of Brno and its northern suburbs is very hilly.
• The measure will create a new technical and organisational solution of bicycle transport in public transportation. The final technical and organisational solution will be based on the study prepared by DPMB experts.

Objectives

• Offer city inhabitants more availability to transport bicycles in public transport vehicles
• Implement broadened bicycle transport service on selected bus routes
• Implement the service in Brno and its surroundings
• Improve the quality of life for citizens

Progress

What was done?

In the study, the agreed solution (backside rack on buses) highlighted the need to prepare technical and organisational material for implementation. Achievements comprise:

• Specifications of technical and organisational aspects of operation of backside racks for carrying bikes
• Site visit to regional bus operator ZDAR to Boskovice in order to learn more about its operation
• Internal deliverable 'Operational and organisational aspects of backside rack'
• Communication with insurance company about possibilities of insurance for bikes on rack during transportation
• Communication with bus manufacturer about the possibilities of adding the backside rack on new buses
• Preparation of technical specifications of backside racks for tender
• Study on whether to implement the system in existing buses or in the new buses
• Implementation of measure
• The operation of buses with backside racks started from 13 June 2015 to 1 November 2015 (the end of season for cyclists)
• Season 2016 started from 1 April 2016

Outcomes

·       An analysis of possibilities to improve the service for cyclists in public transport vehicles in Brno was carried out.

·       Five new buses have been equipped with backside racks – each one for six bicycles.

·       The new service for cyclists has been implemented on one of the bus lines in the city connecting with a nearby recreation area.

·       A report on ‘bicycles on board’ in Europe shows the different innovative ways of regulating transport of bicycles in public transport.