The Author examines the combination of cycling and public transport with particular reference to experience in West Germany. Three possibilities exist: cycle to the public transport stop and walk from the destination stop, walk to the stop and cycle from the destination stop or cycling at each and taking the bicycle on the train or bus. the possibilities and limitations to transporting bicycles by bus are considered in more detail. Schemes in Bremen and Wuppertal provided specially adapted buses over a number of years at weekends and on public holidays. At Hanover a rear trailer was used but there were strict limitations on loading and unloading. The cog tramway in Stuttgart carries up to 10 bicycles which also cannot be unloaded at intermediate stops. In the Münster area up to 40 bikes are carried in a trailer on a leisure route aimed specifically at day and weekend trips. In Bonn three seats were removed on regular services to accommodate bikes but following complaints from passengers and inadequate use of the facility it was withdrawn. In Bochum bikes are allowed on buses on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and bank holidays. Similar schemes have been successful in Ravensburg and Reutlingen and others are planned. Munich shows the possibilities of using vehicles and stops designed for the handicapped for bikes as well.
Abstract