Berlin Rail Expert Calls for Bicycle Ban on Overcrowded Regional Trains
The perennial problem of overcrowded regional trains in Berlin, particularly on routes connecting the city to the Baltic Sea during sunny weekends, has reached a critical point. Now, a prominent rail expert is proposing a radical solution: a ban on bicycle carriage on specific, heavily utilized routes. This suggestion, while controversial, aims to tackle the root cause of delays and passenger discomfort, sparking a debate among cycling advocates and transport authorities.
The Chaos of Overcrowding: A Recurring Nightmare
The scene is all too familiar. On a recent Whitsun, the RE5 regional express departing Neustrelitz was already well-filled upon departure. By the time it reached Fürstenberg (Havel), the multi-purpose compartments, designed for bikes and luggage, were at their limit. At subsequent stops like Dannenwalde and Gransee, few, if any, cyclists could board the train to Berlin. Train conductors were observed struggling to manage the flow of passengers and bicycles, often leading to significant delays at each stop. Only those agile enough to hoist their bikes atop existing piles stood a chance of boarding.
Christian Böttger, a professor at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (HTW) specializing in transport and railways, confirms this is no isolated incident. “Anyone traveling on regional trains during the weekend knows the extent to which passengers with bicycles can disrupt operations,” Böttger told the Berliner Zeitung. He notes that the loading and unloading of bicycles often consumes excessive time, leading to departure delays. Moreover, an abundance of bikes can obstruct emergency exits and occupy valuable space needed for seating and luggage, especially during peak season.
Böttger’s assessment is stark: on popular routes, such as those between Berlin and the Baltic Sea, the issue is “no longer manageable.” He concludes, “Therefore, bicycle carriage should be prohibited on at least the overloaded routes – even if this may cause personal hardship in individual cases.”
A Controversial Solution in a Long-Standing Debate
Böttger’s proposal marks the most far-reaching suggestion yet in a discussion that resurfaces every spring. In 2023, Berlin cycling lobbyist Heinrich Strößenreuther advocated for a mandatory bicycle reservation system. His idea involved an app-based booking system for 80 percent of bike spaces per train during a defined cycling season (e.g., April 1 to November 1), with the remaining spaces managed by train staff for emergencies. Those without reservations would face a 60-euro fine.
However, the German Cyclists’ Federation (ADFC) expressed skepticism about the reservation system. They argued that train conductors would be unable to effectively manage such a system across all multi-purpose compartments and that controlling reservations would be challenging. There were also concerns that day-trippers might preemptively book spaces on multiple trains, thus blocking them for others, particularly on return journeys to Berlin.
The ADFC is equally critical of Böttger’s outright ban. Lisa Feitsch, spokesperson for the ADFC Berlin state association, contends, “The problem is the supply, not the demand.” She emphasizes that the combination of cycling and rail travel is “very attractive” for many. “Berlin, as stated in the local transport plan, explicitly does not want to restrict bicycle carriage on rail. The only solution can be: the railway must increase its capacity for bicycle carriage during the summer months and thus enable comfortable travel for everyone.”
Infrastructure and Funding Challenges
Passenger associations also advocate for more trains. However, every kilometer traveled and every station stop incurs costs. The invalidation of the track pricing system by the European Court of Justice has created uncertainty about the amount of federal funding available to the states for purchasing transport services. Even with sufficient funds, railway companies face difficulties due to limited capacities in tracks, vehicles, and personnel. It is widely acknowledged that it is impossible to absorb every fluctuation in demand or every peak in traffic.
The Deutschlandticket (Germany Ticket) has further exacerbated the situation in the capital region, leading to even fuller trains on routes that were already heavily utilized. Not only has leisure travel increased, but many long-distance travelers have also switched to regional express trains.
VBB’s Stance: Against Prohibitions, For Information
The Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association (VBB) views “prohibitions as not particularly helpful,” states spokesperson Joachim Radünz. He argues that “bicycle carriage is part of onward mobility, especially in rural areas. A ban would also affect users who depend on carrying their bikes.”
Radünz further explains, “Only a small proportion of train journeys – and these only on certain sections – are actually affected by increased bicycle demand. Therefore, we reject general restrictions. We urge those journeys affected by high demand to refrain from carrying bicycles, and we already announce this information” on www.vbb.de.
The VBB relies on travelers to inform themselves and learn from experience. It is now widely known that the regional express lines RE3 (to and from Stralsund) and RE5 (to and from Rostock) experience particularly high demand. This also applies to trains on the RE1 to and from Magdeburg, the RB12 line to Templin, and the Heidekrautbahn (RB27).
Tips for Cyclists: Navigating the Crowds
For cyclists, there are strategies to mitigate the stress. For instance, opting for the Schwedt trains on the RE3 line and avoiding the Rostock trains on the RE5 can increase the chances of a more relaxed journey or even securing a spot. The VBB spokesperson also highlights the new RE30 and RE50 lines for onward travel to Stralsund and Rostock. Spreewald excursionists are advised to take the new RE20, which operates via Potsdamer Platz and Südkreuz, instead of the RE2.
Cyclists themselves can also contribute to reducing stress by carefully stowing their luggage and bicycles. Not everyone removes their bags from their bikes or ensures their bicycle is parked in a space-saving manner. Mindful and considerate behavior from cyclists can significantly help other passengers reach their destinations more comfortably.
The debate surrounding bicycle carriage on regional trains in Berlin underscores a broader challenge: how to balance the growing demand for sustainable transport options with the existing limitations of public transport infrastructure. While a complete ban might seem drastic, it highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address both capacity issues and the evolving needs of passengers in a rapidly growing metropolitan region.
Source: https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/article/regionalzuege-am-limit-berliner-bahnexperte-fordert-fahrradverbot-10038857
