The obligation will apply to new trains that have entered service. The minister said in a press release that current trains undergoing a major renovation must have at least four bike spaces at that time.
“Today, there are no set standards to encourage the bike train combination in the design of the railcars themselves. This will change from 2025,” Gilkennett says. “This is another step forward and an additional realization for BE-CYCLIST, our Federal Cycling Action Plan to encourage cycling in Belgium for all.”
The law is introduced to comply with the European regulation issued in April 2021 on the rights and obligations of train passengers. Belgium goes further than Europe requires: it has doubled European requirements in terms of the number of bicycle places that should be available on every train from 2025.
Gilkennett said the bill also amends complaints procedures and requires railway companies and station managers to train staff to accompany people with disabilities and people with special needs.
The text is still being advised by the Data Protection Authority and the State Council.
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