Train in Latvia now equipped with bike storage facilities.
Three Electric Trains in Latvia to Feature Bicycle Racks by Summer 2025
In a significant move towards promoting sustainable transport, Latvia will be equipping three of its electric trains with bicycle racks by the beginning of summer 2025. This initiative, aimed at enhancing the convenience of cyclists, young parents with prams, and wheelchair users, has been welcomed by various organisations.
The idea for the bicycle racks was born after the first electric train appeared on Latvian rails, with residents expressing their demand for such facilities. Initially, bicycle racks were not part of the technical specification for the trains. However, the representatives pointed out that their inclusion was long overdue, especially considering they would be a beneficial addition when the new trains were put into service.
The first electric train with bicycle racks was presented on Thursday by Vivi, the company responsible for the project. The total cost of these bicycle racks is approximately €800,000, with the European Union covering 75% of the funding. This approach has resulted in a reduction of the total cost from the initial €1.2 million to €948,000.
Škoda specialists are currently equipping the first three trains with bicycle racks, but starting with the fourth train, Vivi will fit them themselves. Each train will have space for up to 12 bicycles, with six being stored in the first carriage and six more at the end of the train. The bicycle racks allow bikes to be hung on a hook or parked horizontally.
Transport Minister Kaspars Briškens (Progressives) stated that the first train equipped with bike racks has "fixed historical forgetfulness". The plan is to equip all 32 trains with bicycle racks by the beginning of the active cycling season, which is expected to start at the end of May.
Raitis Nešpors, Chairman of the Board of Vivi, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project, stating that everything is going according to plan. He also mentioned that, starting with the fourth train, Vivi will fit the bicycle racks themselves.
This development is expected to encourage more people to use sustainable modes of transport, contributing to a greener and more environmentally friendly Latvia.
- The Transport Minister, Kaspars Briškens, expressed his appreciation for the inclusion of bicycle racks in Latvia's electric trains, stating that it has "fixed historical forgetfulness."
- The European Union has contributed 75% of the funding for the bicycle racks, reducing the total cost from the initial €1.2 million to €948,000.
- The media, including Latvian State Media (LSM), have covered the story of Latvia's electric trains featuring bicycle racks, promoting discussion and awareness about sustainable transport within the region.
- The inclusion of bicycle racks in electric trains is part of a larger industry trend towards promoting green and environmentally friendly transportation solutions, especially as finance and investment in the sector continue to grow.
