"This is an important day for cyclists in Europe", says Dr Bernhard Ensink ECF Secretary General. Thanks to the initiative of the bicycle friendly MEP´s, the common effort of ETRA and ECF and the members of the European Cyclists´ Federation who cooperated with their national EU MEP´s, the European Parliament voted positively on the minimum rights for all railway passengers on the 18th of January 2007. The House voted to extend proposals on international passengers' rights and obligations to domestic rail traffic, arguing that "ordinary rail passengers should not be left out in the cold".

The regulations voted by the EU Parliament include among others that ".. in future all trains should provide a specially designated area of the train for baby carriages, bicycles and sports equipment."
That amendment tabled by the Green MEP Cramer (D), the Socialist MEP El Khadraoui (B) and the Christian Democrat MEP Rack (A) was adopted by an overwhelming majority: 529 in favour, 56 against and 14 abstentions.

The ECF sees this result as a success of their long-term effort for the rights of bicycle users and bicycle tourists in Europe.

"This is an important first step in the right direction. There is plenty of work waiting for us ahead until we realize the basic right of bicycle transport on all trains of Europe", says Dr Bernhard Ensink ECF Secretary General.

Click here for the text voted by Parliament