Bikes on trains in the UK

The conditions of carriage make no attempt to define "non-folded cycle" so in theory any bike is fine. However, they do forbid anything "more than 2m long" which would exclude a typical tandem.

Staff can also refuse service to anyone, so as always it depends on your ability to blag it or not attract attention.

Interesting, 2 metres is a decent length also.

Borrow a tall bike?

I like the thinking. :)

The GWR bike cupboard location is shown on your bike reservation ticket.

(The cupboards are are awful, but, giving you an individual reservation for an individual bike space isn't a bad idea.)

Been using South Western lately.. I'm pleased to see they have removed the wheel bender bike racks that only held 3 bikes very awkwardly and now have an open space.

I used Southern and SWT on Friday with my mate, two bikes and three trains in total. No booking just turned up on spec and no issues at all.

I booked ahead for this Saturday withGWR, I was given a booking ref but no bike space ref (e.g. H00) they said they aren’t doing that at the moment

Not sure I believe them or not. I expect to get some moodiness on the journey

There’s a bike sign on the outside of the carriage

Oh thats a relitavly new addition then, first few times I used them it had nothing.

@inappropriate_bike top tip

Looking to book a train out to Bristol for two weeks time with bikes. Did this all work out ok for you in the end?

Recently travelled on a grand central train. Remarkably only 3 bike spaces. Two are available to book the third is walk on.

Does anyone know about bikes on trains to / from Poole?

I'm going to Jersey, via the Poole ferry in early November.

Do I need to book a place?

Does anyone know about bikes on trains to / from Poole?

South Western trains are first come first served with 3 spaces in each bike area (2-3 depending on length) but have seen people getting 6-7 on. If you are getting on at Waterloo, it's first dibs. Have made 3 trips this summer without issue.

It's a glorified commuter train with racks for two bikes every few carriage (that will routinely take three or four if carefully arranged), first come first served.

edit - maybe it's three as a standard, it's been a while since I've been on this one.

edit - maybe it's three as a standard, it's been a while since I've been on this one

They appear to have removed the wheel bender stands that could only hold 3 perfectly shaped bikes. It's just an open space now.

Yeah all good

Great info, thanks guys.

Am looking to book train trip for when restrictions drop in May. In the case of Avanti/West Coast Mainline, theyre waiting on government before making tix available more than a couple of weeks ahead. Does anyone have any info on when we are likely to see normal service resuming in terms of service and being able to book ahead?

Been in touch with Avanti West Coast Mainline and they are releasing in about three weeks windows. There is talk of this reverting to their traditional advance booking programme sometime this year but no firm plans as yet with the suggestion being checking in with their social media team for guidance

I used Avanti yesterday and noticed differences than when the service was Virgin regarding bikes. Main thing was a sign saying only Avanti staff could enter the bike carriage during the journey. I used to nip in and get my bike ready to leave the Virgin train before my stop, doesn't seem possible now. On a couple of occasions Virgin 'train managers' had previously forgotten that I had a bike on there, I had to knock on the driver's door in the past and even once dragged my bike down coach A to get off. Would be a bit worrying now if the same happened. You would be outside the train as it pulled off with your bike still in it lol.

Bit niche but has anyone taken a bike on the Tarka Line from Exeter to Barnstaple recently? I think they're GWR, but as the trains are quite tiny (from what I remember, haven't been on one in about 4 years) is there a difference in the bike storage to the usual longer distance GWR trains?

accept the fact that GWR are cunts then proceed; so you have your expectations set :P

I think just turn up and hope it’s not too full of people.

The tiny Pacer trains have gone.

I'm thinking of avoiding them and taking the slower but more chill South Western train from Waterloo for the London-Exeter leg at least!
@grams yeah at least they're hourly so if one is packed I can grab a coffee in Exeter and come back.