Designers are working to make more space for bicycles on commuter trains while keeping passengers socially distanced during the coronavirus pandemic.
Marylebone-based PriestmanGoode agency has prototyped a removable rack for bikes to slot in on narrow train seats facing each other.
It is estimated up to 36 extra bicycles could then fit into each carriage to “make optimal use” of space while observing social distancing.
The idea is that trains would have seating “bays” where the deep seats could be flipped up into a perch-style arrangement at peak times and allow extra standing room, or give more room for bicycles stood upright.
The racks have been built so they can be removed at peak times when there is more of a crush or to make room for wheelchairs and buggies.
Designers came up with the idea after working on new seating designs, called Island Bay, for an earlier project funded by the Rail Safety and Standards Board.
Now the prototype has been built, the agency is looking to work with train operators to test installation of the concept.
Campaigners say rail companies must do more to accommodate cyclists and include more facilities for parking at stations.
It came as workers who cannot do their jobs at home began to return to work, while London deputy mayor for transport Heidi Alexander appealed for people not to use public transport amid fears of even worse overcrowding than normal.
PriestmanGoode chairman Paul Priestman said: “We came up with a solution that the train could be transformable, going from off-peak to on-peak, allowing more capacity on board trains.
“We saw that we could increase bicycle capacity while also maintaining social distancing.
“The thought is that you’re using the bicycle bays to keep a distance between people, it’s about making that space useful.
“We’re using the space we imagine is going to be required between people as a useable space for bikes.”
Simon Munk, infrastructure campaigner for the London Cycling Campaign, said: “National rail and the rail companies that operate train stations need to do better on cycle parking, there’s still a massive lack of this in London.”
PriestmanGoode designed the New Tube for London, due to run on the Piccadilly Line in 2023.
But the £1.5 billion fleet of 94 trains replacing the current 1970s-era rolling stock will not be able to run faster due to an ageing signalling system
