In combination with public transport, cyclists  can cover long distances and reach many more destinations. Passengers are flexible in reaching their destination or the station by bicycle. The combination benefits both and provides an attractive alternative for many motorists.

There are basically three different kinds of combinations:

• Cycling to a railway station or a bus stop and changing to public transport
• Taking the bike with you in the train or bus
• Cycling from the station to the destination

The first one is the most common combination. People have their bicycle at home, cycle to the station, leave it there, change to public transport and reach their destination in walking distance to a station. On their way back they want to find their bike undamaged and ready to cycle home. Those people want a place to leave their bike secure from theft and vandalism and  protected from weather. Security is very important because passengers leave their bicycle regularly and for a long time at the same place.

Taking the bicycle on to trains or buses provides more flexibility at the destination. One’s own bike is available for further use and can be parked more securely. In this case public transport must provide space and adequate equipment to hold the bicycle.

Cyclists must be able to load and unload their bike fast and easily themselves. If the destination is too far away from a station or bus stop, people need a bicycle either to cover “the last mile” or to be flexible at the destination. A personal (second) bicycle needs a very safe place because it stays there for a very long time, overnight and on weekends. A hired or public bicycle can also give this flexibility. This requires a service system.