Belgian trains to ban non-folding bikes in peak hours

Non-folding bicycles will be banned from rush-hour trains in Belgium from next February, in a move that has disappointed cyclists' associations.

The SNCB said passengers with bikes were causing congestion and delays. Some busy stations, including Brussels Central, already ban bicycles from the platforms at peak times.

"Due to a growing number of passengers, trains are increasingly full," said an SNCB spokesman. "We do not want to impede the accessibility of trains."

The Belgian rail operator plans to increase capacity at bike parking areas in railway stations by 50% to encourage commuters not to board with their bikes.

Cycling associations Gracq and Fietsersbond say the SNCB should not be discouraging bike use.

Bicycle compartments on some trains are only accessible with the help of the conductor - and their location on the train is not announced to passengers beforehand - the associations say.

Gracq and Fietsersbond would like to see train carriages renovated to include an easy-to-access multi-functional space for bicycles, pushchairs and wheelchairs.