Rtl today – Luxembourg: Cyclist forced to disembark from crowded train, CFL reacts
A video of a cyclist invited by CFL staff to disembark from the bicycle wagon of a crowded train went around social networks.
The cyclist, who was traveling on the train to Luxembourg-city, was asked to get off at Mersch station to make room for other passengers, while he was traveling in the car on Tuesday specially dedicated to bicycles.
Users of Reddit , where the video was posted, were quick to comment: “Mam Vëlo op d’Schaff” (by bike to work), one of them said sarcastically, a nod to the government to encourage more commuters to ride their bikes to work. User Bolibop wrote: “I’m sure the 1st class cars were empty.”
Our colleagues from RTL today contacted the Luxembourg National Railways Company (CFL) about the incident, to ask if cyclists should be given priority given that they use a space dedicated to transporting bicycles, but it seems the problem is the overcrowding.
Spokeswoman Nadine Kremer said: “Safety is our number one priority and if the train is overcrowded we should always make sure that the platforms, the space near the doors and the aisles are clear. Especially at rush hour, for safety reasons, this it may happen that there is no more room for the bicycles. “
Kremer added: “In general, bicycles can be taken for free on the Luxembourg network, depending on the availability of bicycle parking spaces.”
Staff told the passenger to wait and take the next train five minutes later.
The company recognized that this train model had less bike space available and also operated in a smaller configuration than usual. The old trains are due to be replaced by 2024, Kremer said.
AND IN NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES?
In the Netherlands, bicycles are not allowed on trains during rush hour. Cyclists can only board their two-wheelers before 6.30 a.m., between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and after 6.30 p.m. Folding bikes are allowed at all times and there are no designated time slots on weekends.
In Belgium, bicycles are generally allowed at all times, but not in some stations, including Brussels Central Station. If all spaces are occupied in the bicycle compartment, passengers must wait for the next train.
Bicycles are allowed at any time in Germany, but must be reserved on ICE trains.