Cycling on the train: why isn’t there more room?

Can my bike be taken on the train?

Yes, you are also welcome by bike. In the summer months of July and August, the bike is even allowed to ride all day, while outside the summer it is only allowed in the valley. To do this, buy a Bicycle Map Dal and use one of the designated bicycle spots on the train. However, the following always applies: there must be enough space. If the bicycle spaces are full, the chief conductor can decide that it is no longer possible to access the bicycle. Safety is paramount. For example, never puta bike in front of the operator’s emergency door.

Why aren’t there just more bike spots?

Any additional bicycle space would be at the expense of a seating area. After all, a train has a limited amount of space. In addition, bike spots are especially popular in summer. So the question is: do we adapt our trains to the busiest cycling days of the year, or do we provide as many seats as possible throughout the year? Our trains also run throughout the country. If it drives to Den Helder, that extra bike spot is misschandy, but as soon as this train runs somewhere else, that bike spot is unnecessary.

NS chooses to design trains in the first place so that we can comfortably carry as many passengers as possible. At the same time, we are making more space for bicycles in new trains.

Why can’t I go with a bike ticket sometimes?

A Bicycle Card does not guarantee a place on a specific train. If all bicycle spaces are occupied, you will unfortunately have to take the next train. That is annoying, but necessary for the train to run safely. The chief conductor is responsible for safety on the train and therefore decides whether a bicycle can still be added.

Why does NS not have special bicycle wagons?

That doesn’t sound crazy, but space is limited on the Dutch railways. An additional bicycle carriage can have consequences for the timetable. Loading and unloading many bicycles at the same time costs time, while Dutch trains often only stop briefly at a station. If the train has to stand still for a longer period of time, we would have to extend the travel time, we would be able to run fewer trains or there would be a delay.

There are sometimes extra bicycle carriages abroad.

That’s right. Sometimes it’s possible there. That is why NS has been offering public transport bicycles in the Netherlands for years. It is available at many stations. If you take a short ride, you can easily continue the journey without your own bike.