Bikes and Trains

The following information is based on my own experiences, and any facts are from my memory over a number of years, and some things are likely to have changed over time (possible they may have improved even further).  It is advisable to make your own inquiries to confirm details when planning a tour.  That should be a lot easier now by using the internet.

Actually the English suburban rail system in this country has its good points.

     Bikes can travel free.  Though not many, as the space available for bicycles is usually rather limited.   Even more so on intercity trains, and then it is expensive.  I have found that when travelling with a bike from Newcastle to Ashford, it was cheaper to hire a car (one way) and put the bike in that.

      We have done the same in Germany, by hire (estate) car from Wismar to Minden, from where it is possible to get to the Hook-of-Holland by train, or even Ostend.

       Many German Inter-city (I C I) trains (check with the timetables) carry plenty of Bikes.  On one trip up to Rostock the ICI had a cycle carrying carriage at the front and rear of the train‘s, each carrying 16 bicycles; BUT one must reserve a place, and pay for the bike.  

        The Germans are so efficient that platforms have a notice board with a plan of the train, so one can know in advance exactly where the exact spot where the bike carriage will arrive at.   Which is great, or it would be if you could rely on it. 

    Long distant trains have, up to, three steep steps to negotiate, and then negotiate through a narrow doorway, which is difficult with a laden bike.  The train is allowed 2 minutes at most stations. So the rule is to get all bags off the bike before the train arrives.  If you find that you are in the wrong spot, then one has to move fast to shift all the baggage to the correct carriage, and then the bike(s).   There is also the problem of other passengers and cyclists coming off the train.  They have to be allowed off first.   There are moments of panic.  Fortunately people do help, as does the guard (sometimes). 

    We tend to get off the train with our panniers on the bikes, as it is then easier, and quicker, to go down the steps, and out onto the platform.
         

 This picture is of a local train carriage,; intercity trains can be fitted-ut with racks and hook-up arrangement for 16 bikes, this one might take more. .  

    Once you are in the fairly spacious compartment, then each bike place has a number, which will match the reservation number on your ticket.   In some cases the Bikes must be hung up in the vertical.  A hook passes through the front wheel.  This can be difficult.  Handlebars can get in each other’s way.   There are seats opposite the bicycles. 

    Usually every other carriage of suburban trains, including the Double Decker, and even the Berlin underground trains, have a bike compartment.   They can be packed.  Bikes often have to be moved to allow another bike to be  got out.   There is no reservation fee, but each bike has to be paid for.

A double-decker train carriage with cycling compartment clearly marked.

    There are often lifts at stations which will take bikes, but they may only have space for two.  Always try and allow plenty of time to make changes to different platforms when you have a laden bike.  One can make one’s way down stairs with a laden bike, but not up.     

   Most convenient is this tram–train, which in this case passes (as a tram) right through the Market square in Karlsruhe.  It will take you, and your bicycle, well up into the hills of the Black- Forest.   

A Train/tram at Forbach in the steep Murgtal (Murg Valley).

Now the Swiss have a fully integrated bike related transport system.

From my experience the Swiss have excellent, fully integrated transport infrastructure which is fully geared up to cater for bicycles, and what is more their Ferries, cable- lifts, rack and pinion trains, and many buses all carry bicycles.

 

In Switzerland; a whole goods-wagon just for bicycles.

Getting there (and back).

It is useful to know that a train service travels from Schipol through Germany to Szczecin (Stettin) in Poland.  Schipol can be reached from Den Hague by train (which in turn is a short cycle ride from the Ferry terminal of Hoek-van-Holland. 

I have also found Belgium and Denmark as being generally cycle-friendly.  It may well be that there are some good examples of bicycle-friendly infrastructure in parts of the UK, but as yet I haven’t come across them. But all this it gives us something to aim for, if nothing else.

In contrast:-

Only today I was at London’s Charing Cross railway station, where I picked up two pamphlets:

1).  “Cycling by train [National Rail Ref CVBT13]”, and:-

2).  “Explore the South East - Train yourself to cycle”.

     1). Browsing through booklet 1, I found no less than 15 rail services were listed that were limited to carrying only 2 bikes  (and then during the non Rush-hour period).

Plus one service that took only one bike, 3 services that took 6 bikes, and 3 that would take 4 bicycles.

    A couple of services could, wonder of wonders, accommodate tandems (perhaps only one though?). 

Folding bikes were made more welcome, even though it was stated by some that these bikes may have to be put on the luggage rack, and the chain would have to be covered.

What a contrasts to most of the Continent.  Except that most of these British services stated that they carried bicycles free of charge.  

As for 2.  

    It has listed 12 rides from a variety of South East London Railway Stations, ranging from.:- 2.5Km (1.6 miles) to  12.32km (7.7 miles).  These are routes provided by Sustrans.

     I have grand-children of 10 years who can manage to cycle 20 km or more comfortably, and a 4 year old girl who can cycle 6 km without difficulty.     

This is a bit of a sorry tale I’m afraid.