Travelling by S-Bahn with a bicycle can easily become a challenge, especially in rush-hour traffic. A lack of space, a lack of infrastructure for bicycles, short stopping times and therefore difficult boarding and alighting are just some of the reasons why travelling by train with a bicycle is not an option. The »Velocity« bachelor's thesis proposes a solution with a completely redesigned compartment.

»I have designed an optimised bicycle compartment that allows bicycles to be loaded and unloaded efficiently at the same time thanks to separate entrance and exit doors – even with fast train cycles and short stopping times,« says Felix Stockhausen, explaining his approach. »My design uses defined floor zones and clear routing as well as a small guidance system to ensure a smooth process, especially at peak times. Travellers with bicycles enter the carriage through doors on the right and left, the middle door is exclusively for alighting.«

The bikes are placed in flexible holders that already point in the direction of the exit. This enables dynamic and space-saving parking and manoeuvring when leaving the carriage. Passengers can also sit on space-saving folding seats during the journey. »With the idea for »Velocity«, I want to make a contribution to sustainable mobility. I have also planned the use of materials accordingly: Screw connections and bio-foam make it easy to separate materials and support recycling.«

The Mia Seeger Prize 2024 award comes with prize money of 1000 euros.

The bachelor's thesis »Velocity« was supervised by Andreas Mühlenberend, Professor of Industrial Design at the Faculty of Art and Design, and by practice partner Dr Andreas Karguth, engineer and roboticist at GentleRobotics.

If you have any questions, please contact Romy Weinhold, Press and Public Relations Officer at the Faculty of Art and Design, by telephone on +49 / 36 43 / 58 11 86 or by e-mail at romy.weinhold[at]uni-weimar.de.