Cyclists' train travel derailed

SPACE RESTRICTIONS:CYCLISTS HOPING to set off by train for holidays around Ireland are being turned away from stations because of a lack of bicycle spaces on Iarnród Eireann's new intercity trains.

Iarnród Éireann is reducing the number of spaces on its trains as part of the renewal of its fleet. Some intercity trains to and from major tourist destinations, such as Galway, provide as few as three spaces.

Older trains can accommodate bicycles in the guards’ compartment; new trains have bicycle racks instead, and have been designed to accommodate no more than six bicycles each.

“The new fleet has been designed to maximise seating, to maximise the capacity for the passenger. Modern trains have no requirement for guards’ vans, and allowing bicycles in them was just a way of using up a huge empty space,” an Iarnród Éireann spokesman said.

The company had not found that there was a great demand for bicycle spaces on trains. “The number of times demand is in excess of supply is very low,” said the spokesman.

Cycle campaigners said they have been seeking more facilities on trains for several years. “We have made lots of submissions to Irish Rail, but they are bordering on the anticyclist. In some cases if you’re travelling in a group of four or more you simply can’t all get on the same train,” said Derek Peppard of Dublin Cycling Campaign.