Bikes on trains in the UK

Some train operators are being arsey about letting obvious leisure travellers on - e.g. people with bikes. I had some friends refused at Oxford by GWR last week, which would be the same operator as Swindon.

It'll probably all change after July 4th mind.

Are we allowed with bikes on trains yet then?

For just leisure journeys?

Weren't Chiltern the company that nearly broke TNRC?

Thanks both. Looks like the plan is formulated...

That's pretty fucked when people are allowed to drive to beaches and stuff.

I could understand if carriages were getting towards capacity but we'll see at 6am on a weekday and if it's too busy, try something else.

If I carry some bikes parts to a friend, it's now an essential journey right?

https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2020-05-29/is-your-journey-really-necessary-gwr-boss-asks-public-to-avoid-train-travel-despite-next-phase-of-eased-lockdown/

Hmm, I'm going to have another plan fucked up before it starts because of this shit aren't I?

That was a month ago and we're talking pretty off-peak times here.

"Only take the train if there’s no other way to travel." Fucksticks.

How do they know it's leisure and not for work or to look after a vulnerable person?

Split your chain just before you arrive at the station, then plead "mechanical"? You'd be unlucky if they were carrying a chain tool.

Nope just looked, no trains, so maybe ride 13mi to Swindon and then train back from there. 23:19 is the last train to Paddington, then ride back from Paddington.

It's 7 miles to Great Bedwyn from Marlborough, which has a station. Don't know what time the last train is, but it's a much shorter and more pleasant ride than to Swindon.

Added: it's also less likely to be manned at that time of night. Swindon is a mainline station, with associated staffing levels, Bedwyn isn't.

Requires a change at Reading though which may or may not be worse than Swindon for restrictions. It's an option but I don't want to be 'that guy' on the train. So, back to the car it is. Fuck the planet.

Trains in the North-West are fine with bikes, even for obvious leisure travel. I take mine on 2 trains a day for commuting, no issue at all, 2 different operators too (Northern and Cross Country)

Another reason why the South is fncked.

That's pretty fucked when people are allowed to drive to beaches and stuff.

Exactly, not allowed because leisure journeys are non-essential (although people are doing it anyway).

Meanwhile, car drivers can make all the unnecessary leisure trips they like.

Anyone got a train out of London Bridge recently? Thinking of doing a train out, loop around Sevenoaks then train back. Fine last summer but I don’t wanna be seen as a lycra weapon going for a jolly... or refused travel.

Looks fine actually, just wear a mask and take hand sanitiser.

Yeah it's completely fine.

So few people are using trains/tube that it feels safer to be on public transport than a shop to me.

Beers are like £4 on trains though, I reckon shops are a better bet.

True.

Has anyone travelled Avanti West Coast with a bike recently? Cycling up to the lakes next week, will be taking the train back. I've booked a ticket, but no option to reserve seats or bike spaces, and phonelines are closed because of covid...

You can reserve in person at any mainline station I think. Presumably in advance.

The avanti website should give you the option to book a bike space when you’re booking your ticket. I’ve booked a ticket to Carlisle for the beginning of September last week and could book a space.

The avanti trains now have a picture of a bike on the side so you know where to go. Normally your reserved seat is next to that although i here things have been going wrong.

Will give that a go, thanks!