Bike Parking and Sharing
Providing sufficient bike parking and sharing options at public transport hubs creates seamless connections between cycling and public transport. It encourages sustainable mobility, reduces car use, and makes daily commuting more convenient, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Solutions and maintenance for bike parking at public transport stations
Well-designed bike parking solutions at public transport stations play a vital role in making cycling a convenient and reliable part of daily mobility. Stations and stops serve as key interchange points where secure and accessible parking encourages travellers to combine cycling with trains, metros, trams, or buses. A variety of facilities can be implemented depending on space, demand, and budget — from simple stands and covered racks to secure lockers and fully automated parking systems – in its mix composition reflecting the different requirements of cyclists. These facilities should be well-lit, weather-protected, and located as close as possible to station entrances, platforms, or other key access points to ensure safety and ease of use. Integrating digital features such as real-time availability, smart locks, or connections with public transport apps can further enhance accessibility and encourage more people to choose cycling as their first- and last-mile solution.
Maintenance is equally important to ensure long-term functionality and user satisfaction. Regular cleaning, inspections, and repairs help prevent vandalism and maintain safety standards. Clear signage and consistent design across hubs create a sense of trust and familiarity for users. In many cities, collaboration between local authorities, transport operators, and private partners ensures sustainable upkeep and cost-sharing. Well-maintained facilities not only enhance the daily experience of commuters but also signal a city’s commitment to promoting active, green, and multimodal mobility.
Pilot Action
Bike Boxes & Smart Ticketing
Testing in Slovenia
In Grosuplje, secure bike boxes at the existing multimodal hub were largely unused due to poor maintenance and lack of integration with public transport. To address this, a pilot project running from 2024 to 2026 as part of the A2PT Project was launched. The aim was to upgrade the facility, increase its use in combination with public transport, and analyse the travel habits and user experience of participants to find a scalable solution.
Good Practice
Guidelines for the Planning and Construction of Bicycle Parking Garages at Train Stations
The " Guidelines for the Planning and Construction of Bicycle Parking Garages at Train Stations" are designed to assist urban planners, architects, and municipalities in the development of bicycle parking facilities at public transport stations. It summarizes knowledge, highlights best-practice examples, and provides step-by-step guidance.
Solutions and maintenance for bike sharing at public transport stations
Providing reliable bike-sharing solutions at public transport stations helps bridge the first and last mile of journeys, making public transport more accessible and attractive. Well-planned sharing systems should offer convenient docking stations close to station entrances, easy-to-use digital platforms, and affordable pricing models. Integration with public transport tickets or apps can streamline the user experience, allowing travellers to plan, pay, and ride within a single system. Offering a mix of conventional and e-bikes also ensures inclusivity for different user needs, travel distances and landscapes.
To keep bike-sharing systems efficient and appealing, continuous maintenance and management are essential. Regular redistribution of bikes, battery charging for e-bikes, and timely repairs ensure availability and reliability. Clean and well-maintained bikes build user trust and encourage repeated use. Collaboration between transport operators, municipalities, and private providers is key to ensuring long-term sustainability, efficient operations, and consistent service quality. By maintaining high standards, bike-sharing at public transport stations can become a cornerstone of integrated, eco-friendly urban mobility.
Good Practice
OV fiets bicycle sharing scheme
In travel between most Dutch cities, the combination of bicycle and train is a faster transport option than private cars. However, with the large number of bicycles in the Netherlands, it is difficult to accommodate all bikes on trains. This is where OV-fiets jumps in, by allowing train passengers to reach their final destination after disembarking.
Learn more
The project Active2Public Transport is supported by the Interreg Danube Region Programme project co-funded by the European Union. The project was initiated by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI), Department II/6 in cooperation with klimaaktiv mobil – the Austrian Federal climate protection initiative on sustainable mobility.