Travel eastern Taiwan by train and bike — a dual-transport adventure

Still driving with your bike to go on trips? Since Taiwan Railways introduced the "dual-rail shared ride" service, bringing your beloved bicycle along for the ride has gradually become a nationwide trend. To join this popular movement, consider taking part in the "Travel eastern Taiwan by train and bike — a dual-rail shared ride" event held by the Tourism Bureau on December 19 and 20. Bring your bike on the train and explore new ways to enjoy cycling routes around Yilan’s Dongshan River and Hualien’s Qixingtan and Liyu Lakes together with others.

To support energy conservation and carbon reduction policies, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has been promoting a low-carbon green transportation system. By integrating railway, highway, and tourism leisure resources, it has launched a demonstration project for a bicycle network in eastern Taiwan. This includes improvements to riding spaces and the installation of signage on five classic biking trails: the Old Caoling Tunnel in New Taipei City, the coastal Dongshan River in Yilan County, Liyu Lake in Hualien County, Guanshan in Taitung County, and Shimen and Changbin. The project has also completed the installation of bike-friendly ramps at the Dongshan and Hualien train stations. This winter, the “Dual-Rail Shared Ride Tour of Eastern Taiwan” event is back to let the public experience the convenience of this hassle-free mode of travel.

The “Dual-Rail Shared Ride Tour of Eastern Taiwan” event stops at Dongshan and Hualien train stations. Riders can bring their bikes on board using a special passenger-and-bike car setup. Bicycles can be placed next to your seat and, upon arrival at your destination, you can easily enter or exit the station via the installed bike ramps following the signage. Participants can opt for package tours organized by Yilan County Government and the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration, arranging their own accommodation and meals. The next day, they can return to Taipei from the original station by train, fully enjoying this new travel style that combines rail and bike.

Online registration for the event is now open. For more details, please visit the Tourism Bureau’s official website.

Travel eastern Taiwan by train and bike — a dual-rail shared ride
Dates: December 19–20, 2009
Start/End Stations: Shulin Station / Wanhua Station → Dongshan Station → Hualien Station
Assembly & Departure Stations: Shulin Station and Wanhua Station
Destination Stations: Dongshan Station and Hualien Station
Event Fee: Free train fare (including insurance); accommodation and meals are self-funded.

Read more: Kansai Bike Experience (provided by Tripass Attractions)