Bike+Ride+Hike information on a website: Bwegt Bicycle Carriage + Bwegt Hiking Trails

Challenge addressed: Doubling the number of passengers in public transport until 2030

Coherent passenger information measures on bicycle carriage on trains - ‘Bwegt Bicycle Carriage’ and combining hiking with public transport - ‘Bwegt Hiking Trails’ - were introduced in Baden-Württemberg to address ‘first and last mile’ gaps in public transport, reduce reliance on cars, and promote environmentally friendly mobility. They encourage combining cycling and hiking with public transport to help decrease traffic congestions and CO₂ emissions, while also supporting healthier lifestyles. The information measures were driven by a stronger commitment of the regional government for the protection of the environment and combatting climate change. Aimed at doubling the number of passengers in public transport until the year 2030 compared to 2010, the initiative ‘Bwegt’ was introduced by the Ministry for Transport Baden-Württemberg in 2017 with the aim to make public transport more frequent, easier to use and more attractive overall.  

Solution implemented: Clear and user-friendly information on intermodal connectivity

The information websites “bwegt Bicycle Carriage” and “bwegt Hiking Trails” provide clear, accessible information that helps users easily combine cycling and hiking with public transport. Through user-friendly online platforms, flyers, maps, and integrated timetable information, travellers can conveniently plan seamless door-to-door journeys. Simple, uniform, and transparent rules for bicycle carriage, supported by attractive conditions such as free bicycle carriage in off-peak hours and generally free bicycle carriage in special ‘leisure express trains’, further enhance clarity and usability. Additional measures, including improved bicycle spaces on vehicles and secure parking at stations, support this offer. The ‘bwegt Hiking Trails’ initiative complements digital information with curated routes, app integration (e.g. Komoot, Outdooractive), and analogue formats such as information boards at bus and train stops, as well as a dedicated flyer. In addition, yellow wayfinding signs ensure clear orientation along the routes, addressing a wide range of user needs and preferences.

Results achieved

The effectiveness is primarily assessed on the basis of usage figures, reach, and feedback from various channels.

Data on Bicycle Carriage on Trains

• The bicycle carriage landing page recorded around 61,600 visits in 2025 (including approx. 3,300 since the beginning of the year): Fahrradmitnahme im Nah- und Regionalverkehr / bwegt.de
• The bicycle carriage map is a vital source of information for state-wide regulations on bicycle carriage in regional trains in Baden-Württemberg. It aims to provide clarity regarding transport rules (e.g., times, costs, exceptions) and to offer passengers clear guidance and practical advice on how to use the service. The digital map was downloaded around 800 times since the beginning of the year: Streckenkarte Fahrradmitnahme. The corresponding flyer was downloaded approximately 90 times in the same period: Flyer zur Fahrradmitnahme in Zügen des Nah- und Regionalverkehrs. The printed bicycle carriage map is produced with an annual circulation of around 20,000 copies and distributed via tourism partners, events, and mobility-related stakeholders.

Bwegt Hiking Trails

• Komoot community: 3,225 followers (as of March 2026)
• Media reach: bwegt hiking Trail Tal X and Metzingen events achieved a reach of 412,856 and 7,696,041, respectively (2025)
• Video performance: 1.5 million views on our video showcasing the bwegt hiking trails (2025)
• Digital reach: 11.4 million impressions across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Newsletter, and LinkedIn (2025)
• Website traffic figures for the hiking landing page: around 1,000 visits since the beginning of the year, around 20,000 visits in total in 2025

There are no comprehensive, independent impact studies available on the effectiveness of the measures yet. 

Lessons learned

Bicycle carriage on trains and bwegt hiking Trails: A key learning is that easily accessible, visually structured information (e.g., maps, concise overviews) plays an important role in helping passengers navigate and orient themselves. There is a particularly high demand for clear and easy-to-understand information in the leisure travel segment. A combination of digital services, social media, printed materials, and on-site information in vehicles has proven effective in reaching different target groups. Close collaboration with local partners also proves to be a major asset, as it allows the bwegt hiking trails to be promoted across various channels while simultaneously integrating valuable regional expertise into the project.