To facilitate mixed-mode commuting, in 2010, the state railways (DSB) made it free to bring bicycles on the train.
Since then the number of passengers bringing their bicycle on the train have more than tripled, growing from 2.1 million to 7.3 million in 2012.
To accommodate the growing number of bikes, DSB will rebuild all their S-trains by adding an extra carriage specifically for bikes by summer 2013, while keeping the flexible compartments at each end of the train to accommodate bicycles, as well as prams and wheel chairs, thus increasing bicycle capacity from 22 to 46 bicycles per train.
Building on the success, DSB has launched additional bicycle initiatives such as opening bike shops in 10 stations, where customers can deliver bikes for repair on their morning commute and retrieve them on their way home. The company has also introduced various bicycle discounts in their loyalty programme, vowed to install ramps on all stairs and drastically expand bicycle parking at stations.
The bicycle culture of Copenhagen brings both direct and derived economic benefits to the city. The city has estimated that every kilometre cycled brings a net gain for society of 1.22 DKK (USD 0.21 per mile), compared to a net loss of 0.69 DKK for every kilometer driven in a car (USD 0.12 per mile). These numbers include both savings in the public sector, and additional economic activity in the private sector.
Since the health care system in Denmark is both universal and tax payer funded, a major driver in the economics of bicycle promotion and investments, comes from savings in the health care system.
One study has shown a decrease in mortality of 30% among adults who commute by bicycle daily. And the city estimates that for each kilometre cycled society saves 1.21 DKK in the health care system, added up that amounts to approximately DKK 534 million (USD 91 million) of savings per year, in addition society gains from increased productivity of a healthier work force. Other savings come from reduced congestion and lower road infrastructure maintenance costs.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_in_Copenhagen
Despite the criticisms, if a balance can be reached, it would bring great environmental benefits, as well as healthcare savings, and also relieve transportation woes. I believe SMRT can allow passengers to bring in foldable bikes for a start, and only limit them to 1 carriage on the MRT. For every 1 cyclist on the train, 1 car will be removed from the road, and if one carriage can allow standing space for e.g. 50 cyclists. Then 50 cars will be removed from the morning/evening jams.
Joe Tan
TRS Contributor