Designers build bike racks for commuter train seats to maintain social distancing

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.