According to bike.org.il ( I do not see a similar announcement on the website of Israel Railways), the Israel Railways Authority has decided to run a pilot, using the Bet Shemesh train line as its pilot, for designating a car of the train specifically for passengers with bikes.

The history of taking bikes on trains has had its ups and downs. At times bikes were not allowed at all, then they were, then they weren't, then they were allowed during the non-busy hours of the day...

This Friday, July 5 2013, on the Bet Shemesh - Jerusalem line, the last car of the train, on both the 6 AM and the 7 AM trains, will be designated for people with bikes.

Friday is an especially good day for this. Biking is very popular, and many people come to the Bet Shemesh area to bike because of the beautiful trails and roads in the area. Though, I don't know if they picked the right section of the line for the pilot. i would have thought the Bet Shemesh  - Tel Aviv line would be better. Also, with it only being in the early morning, it does not help those riders plan how they will return to their original location. They might avoid the first ride knowing that the way home will still be a problem...

I hope the pilot is successful so it will be easier for people to get around with their bikes.