Campaign to get more bikes on trains steps up a gear

IN a country that is now 'bike mad', Irish Rail policy which stipulates that only two bicycles can be carried on each passenger train can only be viewed as patently ridiculous.

The issue was raised by Councillor Damian Ryan with two representatives of Irish Rail, Cathy O'Donnell and Jane Cregan, when they gave a presentation to Mayo County Council.

The Ballinrobe-based councillor demanded that the 'two-bike' rule be amended without delay.

“We are a county that prides ourselves on our greenway, which attracts thousands of leisure focussed visitors into the area,” he pointed out.

Councillor Ryan highlighted the importance of Irish Rail in bringing visitors to the county and stressed that the ruling on transportation of bikes needs to be changed.

Responding, Ms. Cregan conceded: “I know the bikes are an ongoing issue, especially in the summertime, on this route.”

She explained: “If we were to carry more bikes we would have to take seats out of the train to allow more space for bikes.”

At the moment, Ms. Cregan indicated, 'no change' is planned.

Council chief executive Peter Hynes expressed frustration on the issue.

“There has to be a way we can emulate best European practice and get more than two bikes on a train,” he declared.

The issue has been around for more than 15 years and is not going to go away, the chief executive said, adding that he hoped the message will be relayed back to those (in Irish Rail) who are in a position to change the situation.