cyclebeeOnRails: A look back at our exciting launch event
The most exciting moments and impressions from the launch event
[Contains advertising] Graz, November 22, 2023 – Last Wednesday, the highly anticipated launch event for cyclebeeOnRails took place at the FH Joanneum Journalism School. The event, organized in collaboration with Wolfgang Kühnelt and his dedicated students, proved to be a great success, with the hall packed.
Heidi Schmitt, board member of the cycling lobby ARGUS Styria, opens the event
The opening speech was given by Heidi Schmitt, chairwoman of the ARGUS cycling lobby in Styria. In her address, she emphasized the importance of improving the combination of rail and cycling. She underlined that optimized integration of both modes of transport not only benefits cyclists but also offers significant profit opportunities for railway companies.
Photo: Tobias Kleinlercher
The beginnings of cyclebeeOnRails: From idea to reality
From conception to initial funding and launch in nine months
Katharina gave a brief overview of the development history of cyclebeeOnRails, from conception and initial funding to launch in less than nine months. She also discussed the findings from the comprehensive survey conducted at the beginning of the research project. „Cycling Tours4All“ showed that the biggest challenge, regardless of age, gender and experience, is the combination of rail and bicycle.
Photo: Jakob Grill
Based on these insights, we developed the concept for CyclebeeOnRails together with our then-intern, Marlene. Special thanks also go to our current interns, who do invaluable work in a startup and young company.
During the implementation of CyclebeeOnRails, we encountered financial challenges. By a stroke of luck, we became aware of a small FFG funding program with an imminent application deadline. We submitted the application in record time, which was approved and provided us with partial funding for the first part of the project.
The guests were actively involved in the event by being able to share their opinions and experiences through a survey on Mentimeter. The spontaneous survey once again highlighted that the journey to the event is perceived as the biggest obstacle to bicycle touring, while the limited space for bicycles on trains was identified as the greatest challenge in the area of rail and bicycle travel.
Presentation of the first version of cyclebeeOnRails and planned expansion stages
Hannes and Daniel proudly presented the first version of cyclebeeOnRails and gave an outlook on further features that are to be implemented shortly.
cyclebeeOnRails is online: Bicycle-related information about train stations and train connections
On the platform cyclebeeOnRails you'll find cycling-related information about train stations and connections, including accessibility and the number of parking spaces. You'll also find details about the station's surroundings, such as restrooms and repair shops, as well as the nearest cycle path.
Evaluate train stations based on their bicycle infrastructure: accessibility, parking spaces and surroundings.
All information about cyclebeeOnRails
Further development stages of cyclebeeOnRails
Through the crowdfunding campaign for cyclebeeOnRails on Startnext This will enable the next expansion stages of cyclebeeOnRails. The following stages are already in the planning stages:
- Austria completely with all regional trains
- Expansion in the DACH region
- Integration of map views for faster orientation
- Integration into the cyclebee app, which will be released in spring
- Integration of other public transport options, such as long-distance buses
- Expansion and extension beyond the DACH region
CyclebeeOnRails crowdfunding campaign on Startnext.
Successful start
The transition to the campaign phase was a resounding success, with guests making generous donations totaling over €2,000 in the first few hours. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already contributed financially.
Your support counts!
Following the exciting presentations came the eagerly awaited crowdfunding video. Many thanks to Astrid Rampula from astrimage FILM for the impressive execution!
Now it's your turn! Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goal. Get involved now! Your support gives cyclebeeOnRails the crucial boost to advance sustainable mobility.
https://www.startnext.com/cyclebeeonrails
Thank you to all supporters and sponsors!
We would like to thank all the supporters of the evening and everyone who has made this journey possible so far. We also thank our mentors Dijana from ESA BIC, Maria Köck from Austrian Senior Expert Pool, Alice and Lina from the EIT Better Mobility Accelerator, and Vladyslav from the EIT Investment Readiness Programme for their attendance at the event.
Special thanks also go to the sponsors. Makava* and the Scharl Wine Estate*, who generously provided the drinks for the event.
A very special thank you goes to family and friends who selflessly support and have my back.
Finally, we would like to sincerely thank all our guests, both those who attended in person and those who joined us online. Your support is our motivation!
*The event was supported with beverage sponsorship from MAKAvA delighted GmbH and Weinhof Josef Scharl.