The Virginia Bicycling Federation would like to thank these listed organizations for helping to get Amtrak to consider roll-on bike service on trains in the Mid-Atlantic.
Our September 3 letter to Amtrak President Joseph Boardman led to a meeting November 8, at Amtrak headquarters in Washington DC. Representatives from Amtrak met with the Virginia Bicycling Federation, Richmond 2015, and Adventure Cycling Association to talk about forming a task force to fully investigate roll-on solutions. The tone was positive all around. Everyone agreed that the task force should include national and state bicycling groups, passenger rail advocates, and state DOTs as well as Amtrak officials, working in teams to develop pilot projects and field progress reports to our various constituents. Willingness to move forward with this task force suggests that all parties see roll-on service as a win-win.
Why is this issue important? Bringing a bike along on a train trip already works in so many countries around the world, for pleasure and business travel, everyday commuting, last-mile connections, and exercise. It should work seamlessly in America too.
More importantly, as America’s transportation undergoes major changes — not necessarily centered around cars and buildling more highways — integrating bikes and trains is a simple step toward the kind of seamless, multimodal transportation system that so many Americans want.
A successful partnership between Amtrak and cyclists may change the way many people travel, and change even more minds about how multimodal transportation can work, if given the chance.
Amtrak ridership reached record high levels in 2013. With our organizations working together, we hope these numbers will only get better.
All aboard for what may be to be an exciting ride!
Special thanks to our friends at the Adventure Cycling Association, East Coast Greenway Alliance, Allegheny Trail Alliance, New York Bicycling Coalition, Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, and Washington Area Bicyclist Association.
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