The Rhine Cycle Route

After 3 years since they ‘temporarily’ ceased carrying cycles because of covid, Eurostar have begun carrying them again, but with a very limited service and with conditions of carriage that are not attractive to touring cyclists. Before covid, all trains to Paris and Brussels carried up to six cycles, two fully assembled and four dismantled, in specially designed fibreglass bike cases. Eurostar provided the cases and tools to dismantle/reassemble bikes in an area dedicated to this procedure.

The reinstated service carries bikes only on trains to Paris (not Brussels) on selected departures from London between 07.55 and 15.31 or from Paris between 11.13 and 18.13. Fully assembled bikes are not being carried. Four dismantled bikes can be carried, but cyclists must deliver their bikes already boxed to the baggage counter in either London or Paris. Pre-booking is compulsory and riders must now travel on the same train as their bikes. After completing the journey, boxes must be collected directly from the train and cycles reassembled on the platform.

This is far from ideal, and until Eurostar fully reinstate their previous cycle carriage policy, cyclists are recommended to take their bikes by plane, ferry or Euroshuttle when heading to the European mainland. The situation could potentially change.

The Cycling UK website www.cyclinguk.org has a page dedicated to Eurostar cycle carriage policy, which is updated regularly to contain any new information.

The disastrous floods of July 21 have destroyed the wooden covered bridge over the Ahr just south of Kripp. Two alternative diversions have been signposted, one, (which adds 4.5km, staying E of the Rhine via Sinzig and the other crossing the river by ferry from Bad Breisig–Bad Hönningen and re-crossing from Linz–Kripp. This only adds 0.5km but involves two ferries. It is not known how long these diversions will last, nor when the bridge will be re-built. Look out for local signage (in German).

• For the first, follow existing cycle route N from Bad Breisig across meadows of Goldene Miele (p209), then 1km before site of wooden covered bridge over river Ahr, turn L on signposted diversionary cycle track. After 1km, turn R at crossroads (Linzer Strasse) then follow this bearing L into Sinzig, and continue bearing L (Bahnhofstrasse) beside elevated road. Opposite Sinzig station, fork L under road bridge. Turn immediately R (Lindenstrasse) and second L (Dreifaltigkeitsweg). Continue to crossroads and turn R (Kölner Strasse), following road over river Ahr. After bridge, turn R (Grünerstrasse) and go under road and railway bridges. Opposite entrance to sewerage works R, fork L on cycle track through open country passing Kripp L. Pass through gap in flood dyke then emerge on road and turn R (Quellenstrasse) at crossroads. Continue to reach riverside cycle track and turn L to re-join original route.
• For the second; use ferry before Bad Breisig (p207) crossing Rhine to Bad Hönningen. Turn L on riverside cycle track and continue on Rheinallee passing campsite L and Bad Hönningen R. Cycle parallel with river then follow cycle track bearing R under road and railway bridges. Turn R (Markenweg) at T-junction then turn L (Im Sonnenwinkel) beside house 5. Just before railway crossing, fork R (Rheintalstrasse) and continue beside railway L. Follow cycle track ahead with wooded cliffs rising L and continue (Ariendorfer Weg) into Leubsdorf. Turn R (Hauptstrasse) then L (Kirchstrasse) and L again following Linzer Weg out of village parallel with railway L. Pass under road bridge, then follow In der Au bearing R away from railway into beginning of Linz. Beside house 2, turn sharply R at T-junction (Vor dem Leetor). Turn R before railway bridge (Am Gestade) then after 250m, zig-zag L and R under railway. Pass KD line boat pier L then fork L on ferry ramp to reach Linz–Kripp ferry. Cross river and re-join original route in Kripp by turning R along riverside cycle track.

Between Baerl and Binsheim, the published route has been blocked by a gate, requiring a short diversion to avoid private land. There is a rough gravel track along the top of the flood dyke, parallel with the closed section, or alternatively there is an asphalt surfaced alternative, described below;

After passing through Baerl and joining Dammstrasse, do not drop down L on red block track beside dyke. Rather turn R (Woltershofer Kirchstrasse) before gate across dyke then bear L at next road junction (Woltershofer Strasse). Follow this over flood dyke, rejoicing original route, and continue to reach Orsoyer Strasse in Binsheim. This diversion adds 600m to the published route.

Widening of Fussach bridge over the Rhine between Höchst and Hard has blocked the cycle route where it formerly passed under the bridge. Work started in autumn 2021 and will continue through 2022. Towards the bottom of p71, 150m before cycle track drops down L off flood dyke to pass under Fussach bridge, turn L then R at T-junction and R again onto bridge, re-joining original route crossing river using cycle track L. As bridge work progresses, it is likely that construction of new approach roads and slip roads on both sides of the Rhine will lead to further route changes. Look out for local signage.

Fussach bridge is where the alternative routes around Lake Constance divide. To follow the southern route around the lake, do not cross the bridge; rather go straight ahead across bridge approach road into Dorfstrasse (sp Fussach) and follow this heading west through village.

Stage 5 (p80) The railway crossing referred to in the third line has been replaced by a railway underbridge with consequent re-modelling of nearby roads. After passing disused railway goods depot R, bear L (Bregenzer Strasse) then go ahead L at roundabout (second exit) and cross bridge to reach another roundabout on Lindau island.

Stage 16 (p186) Construction of a new motorway bridge over the Rhine has caused a long-term cycle route diversion between Biebrich and Schierstein. In the first line, do not turn L into the park, rather turn R (Rheinparkstrasse) opposite canoe club. At end, turn L onto Rheingaustrasse, a busy main road with cycle track R. Pass under motorway bridge, then turn L at traffic lights (Hafenweg). Turn R at first crossroads (still Hafenweg) to re-join original route passing Schierstein marina L.

Stage 20 (p224) Another new motorway bridge over the river has caused a long-term diversion at Merkenich. Do not fork R beside house 220b, rather continue ahead under motorway bridge and turn R (Schlettstadter Strasse) beside house 248b. At end, turn L, re-joining original route through fields and out of Köln.

Stage 23 (p248) Construction of new flood dykes and sluices has altered the route at Griethausen. While this work is underway it is necessary to divert through the middle of Griethausen. Do not turn R onto asphalt track beside course of Alt Rhein. Rather continue ahead for 1km to reach roundabout and turn R (Postdeich, first exit). Follow this winding through Griethausen, then at end of village where road passes through gap in flood dyke, fork L up onto dyke to re-join original route.

When the work has been completed, a new cycle track will fork R from a point about 500m before the bridge over the Alt Rhein along a newly constructed flood dyke crossing the new Alt Rhein sluices and then bearing R to join the original route along the old flood dyke passing Griethausen below L.

Stage 27 (p279) Between Koggehaven and Maassluis, construction work for the new Maasdelta road tunnel has caused long term diversion of the cycle route. The diversion route is described in the guide and shown on the maps. When the work has been completed, it is expected that the original cycle route alongside the river Maas will be re-instated.

Stage 27 (p282) Relocation of Hoek van Holland station and re-modelling of the roads serving both the station and ferry port are causing short-term diversions. Follow the signs.