The Prešov self-governing region (PSR) has prepared a novelty for cyclists – the transport of bicycles via cycle buses. They will operate in five attractive tourist locations in the Prešov region, such as Slanské vrchy, Čergov, Pieniny, Domaša and Poloniny. Five cycle buses will go on the road from July 1, operating on weekends. The county wants to support cycling tourism in its territory with a new campaign.
The Prešov self-governing region is launching a new service for cyclists on its territory. From the summer, they will be able to use suburban bus transport and cycle buses to transport their bicycles. A total of five selected buses will have bike racks for six bicycles each. They will transport up to 30 of them in total, additional capacities can be expanded through other spaces in the buses.
Cycle buses will be in operation on Saturdays and Sundays, on the routes Prešov – Zlatá Baňa, Sabinov – Drienica, Stará Ľubovňa – Červený Kláštor, Vranov nad Topľou – Domaša, Dobrá recreation area and Snina – Nová Sedlica. The region invested a total of 25000 euros in the service, specifically 5000 euros in each of the five carriers.
“Cycle buses are a regular part of travel schedules in developed countries, and I am looking forward to the fact that we will have them in our region from this summer. They will make it easier for those who may not be in such shape, more comfortable and faster transportation to an interesting destination in our region. Whether it’s Pieniny, Poloniny and other locations that we have chosen for this pilot campaign,” PSR president Milan Majerský explained the launch of the cycle bus service.
As he added, the campaign relates to another activity of the regional self-government, which is the Cycle Holiday. “For example, cyclists are transported by cycle bus from Prešov to Zlatá baňa and from there they can go to Dubník on two wheels. Or they can take a cycle bus from Sabinov to Drienica and then continue to the Čergov cottage. I believe that this service will take hold among the residents of the region and find its place. However, if there is interest, we are ready to expand it to include bicycle carriers and, finally, a reservation system that will allow cyclists to book a place on the bicycle carrier in advance,” said M. Majerský.
Cycle buses will specifically operate from July 1 to August 31 on Saturdays and Sundays. This is a total of nine weekends. The price for transporting one bicycle will be the same as transporting luggage, i.e. 1,50 euros up to 50 km, or 3 euros up to 200 km.
Loading and unloading of bicycles transported using bike racks on buses (without additional equipment) will only be allowed at specified times within selected lines, connections and stops. They will be secured by a passenger with an authorized employee of the carriers involved in the project – SAD Prešov, Bus Karpaty and SAD Humenné, who will also lock the bicycle against theft. The passenger will be issued with a carabiner with the number of the bicycle position, which will also be used for verification when unloading the bicycle.
The Cycle bus campaign builds on the already launched activities of the Prešov Self-governing region aimed at supporting cycle tourism and suburban bus transport. In addition to the Cycle Holiday running from June 1 to October 1, advantageous one-way weekend bus fares remain valid on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It is valid when using the connection for at least one adult with at least one child under the age of 15 traveling with them, regardless of the tariff distance travelled, where each family member pays only 1 euro for travel.
TS PSK
