The partnership between bikes and trains is under strain in Europe. A European regulation from 2021 aimed to settle matters, but operators have found ways to refuse bikes.

A prominent railway campaigner folds his bicycle and carries it on trains in a black bag to avoid issues. The European Parliament and Council introduced Regulation 2021/782 on rail passengers' rights in 2021, which obliged operators to carry bicycles.

European Regulation

The European Cyclists' Federation pushed for the regulation, which includes escape clauses allowing operators to refuse bikes on grounds of safety, capacity, or timetable. Deutsche Bahn set out its own terms in September 2025, including a bicycle carriage plan that notes carriage cannot be guaranteed.

Germany's Bike Policy

Bavaria's transport authority trimmed its offer in 2022, withdrawing free carriage of smaller bikes. Deutsche Bahn banned cargo bikes from its trains in 2019. The flat-fare Deutschlandticket does not include bicycle carriage, and cyclists often pay a second fare that varies by state and transport association.

Cycling Federation's Efforts

The ADFC, Germany's main cycling federation, has pressed for a single nationwide rule for bikes on trains. Christian Tänzler made the commercial case at the ITB travel fair in Berlin in March 2025, noting that cycle tourists spend about 117 euros a day. The federation has called for premium national cycle routes and barrier-free stations.

Other Countries' Policies

Other countries remain more committed to ensuring a symbiotic relationship between trains and bikes. NS, the Dutch operator, runs an Amsterdam-to-Berlin Intercity with room for 16 bikes. Belgium's SNCB carries folding bikes free, and Norway's Go-Ahead Nordic accepts bikes on every train with room to spare.