While the world is starting the new, post-virus, era, London’s rail networks are facing a huge challenge in reconfiguration train carriages to create additional space for bikes. As Sprongwise reports, bicycles aimed at helping solve UK future transport problems.
After months of lockdown due to coronavirus, the commuters are looking for safer ways to travel. In the UK, transport design consultancy PriestmanGoode has developed a solution which makes optimal use of space on commuter trains, to keep easily social distancing.
As the experts believe, the flexible design is a must in modern trains. The new configuration helps to adapt the seating to allow more people to be accommodated on commuter trains and also creates more space for bikes. By allowing more train passengers to take their bikes, the design helps to relieve pressure on roads, local trains, buses, and tube lines, for the commuters’ “final mile”.
In addition, the flexible designs use a double seat layout during off-peak hours, which transforms into a higher density configuration at peak times to increase both seating and bike storage. Among other features of the seat design is aisle rests with padded backs for passengers who would otherwise be standing unsupported, footrests, wider aisle access and twin USB ports at every seat.
Flexible seating design in trains help to keep a social distance
Being the transport designers, PriestmanGoode has found a way to adapt the ‘Island Bay’ seating design so that more bikes can be easily and safely accommodated onboard commuter trains.
“People typically use their own car, buses or underground services to start and end their journey, but many would prefer to use bikes as a lower-cost and more flexible alternative,” head of PriestmanGoode, Paul Priestman, explains the rationale for his design.
Creating further transportation options will not only help get people back to work but could also create healthier cities. At Springwise, we have seen an uptick in transportation innovations, including using e-vehicles as energy storage units and a kit that turns any bike into an e-bike.
After the coronavirus epidemic, the London officials are trying to get the city back to work safely after the lockdown ends. Limiting the capacity of the city’s underground transport network will improve safety, but will also limit the numbers able to travel. At the same time, the UK residents are looking for alternative and healthier ways to commute.
PriestmanGoode’s new design solves both of these problems by making it easier for train commuters to bring their bikes with them – allowing them to bike the “last mile” of their journey and avoid public transportation. It’s a win-win strategy, in fact.
