http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Getting an unreserved bike on the train en Wed, 13 May 2026 02:24:49 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-368363 Wed, 31 May 2023 14:23:01 +0000 chdot 368363@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Germany, last year. </p> <p>After ‘express’ was stopped and everyone had to get on ‘local’. </p> <p>Wasn’t travelling with bikes (fortunately!)</p> <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52333234904_d59689b5f6_z.jpg "></p> <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52493114740_c81f69d6c1_c.jpg "></p> <p>Clearly ‘things happen’ but many trains in some European countries start with more room for bikes. </p> <p>It’s about 25 years since SR abandoned the £3 single bike charge - after a campaign involving Spokes…</p> <p>Improved provision for bikes has developed <em>slowly</em>. </p> <p><em>Generally</em> staff attitudes/willingness to help have improved noticeably. </p> <p>I’m much more often on trains where no booking is required, which can have challenges. </p> <p>Basically SR doesn’t have enough rolling stock so trains that normally are 5 coach can turn out to be 2. </p> <p>The 2 being a 158. I don’t <em>think</em> any of them still have the ludicrous ‘cupboard’ allegedly designed for 2 bikes. </p> <p>So redesigns/internal configurations have been done. SOME have room for 2 bikes, some 4 - some only have bike symbols outside ONE carriage. </p> <p>Arguably that’s entirely SR’s fault, but i don’t actually know if it <em>owns</em> them!</p> <p>Some 3 car 170s only have space for 2 bikes. </p> <p>Such realities all add to the discouraging of anyone who is not a keen bike/train ‘enthusiast’! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-368360 Wed, 31 May 2023 13:37:48 +0000 steveo 368360@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I know exactly what you mean but he multi million pound (now state owned) companies have to blink first and show good faith that people will use the service, the current system of proving there is demand by having people waiting on the platforms or fighting for the scraps is hopeless.</p> <p>Thing is for me its not even the easy option, the household negotiations for me to have the car for a few days are a pain its much easier for me to say I'm going away for these days but you can have the car if you need to entertain the kids. I don't really like driving if I've been away camping, I'd rather get an hours nap on the train. The train should be the easy option but I don't have the constitution for a day on the platform* I admire anyone who attempts it with kids.</p> <p>*Sunday highland service only two or three trains between lunchtime and evening and it only takes a few cyclists getting on before you. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-368354 Wed, 31 May 2023 12:14:39 +0000 neddie 368354@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Self-fulfilling prophecy though innit!?</p> <p>If people give up so easily and just take the car, will they be inclined to campaign for better public transport...?</p> <p>Will the public transport operators ever see the need to better cater for bikes if no bikes turn up...?</p> <p>Nothing personal @steveo, I also feel your pain</p> <p>This is why I also believe it's so important for people to give up car ownership - when you don't have the (easy*) choice, it forces you to campaign for better things</p> <p>*i.e. you might have to hire a car </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-368348 Wed, 31 May 2023 10:41:35 +0000 steveo 368348@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I really want to use the train more to get round for bike packing trips, linear trips become available but I can't be bothered with boarding anxiety. Am I going to get my trip started, am I going to get home. Nah I'll just take the car. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-368309 Sun, 28 May 2023 19:47:59 +0000 LaidBack 368309@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>...and that's why more bikes are carried on cars than trains.<br /> Exactly the same thing used to happen 20 years ago.<br /> Remind me... on the HST units all bikes are now in the coaches and the 'guards' space in powercar is not used? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-368307 Sun, 28 May 2023 13:37:59 +0000 chdot 368307@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>@ScotRail<br /> shambles. </p> <p>2 bikes booked on 11:12 Dunkeld/birnam- Aviemore. Train arrives, guard refuses us as "bike spaces full w unbooked bikes"</p> <p>If we had suitcases instead of bikes on you come</p> <p>If you have bike booking system, why no attempt to control it?</p> <p>And why so anti bikes?</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/willstewneuro/status/1662790575689482240?" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/willstewneuro/status/1662790575689482240?</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-368306 Sun, 28 May 2023 12:32:14 +0000 HankChief 368306@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Chaos continued when 2 cyclists with reservations trued to get on at Dunkeld and weren't allowed to...</p> <p>Turned out that they had oversold the bike reservations...</p> <p>Train guard was a bit flustered but ook it with good grace </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-368303 Sun, 28 May 2023 09:52:23 +0000 HankChief 368303@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>7 bikes in the 6 bike spaces on the Inverness train we got on this morning at Haymarket with our 2 reserved bikes :( </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-367313 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 21:15:01 +0000 acsimpson 367313@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks all. It's a revolution cargo trailer so does fold flat for storage if required.</p> <p>I'm not sure if we'll head out on the Sunday for a 2 day adventure or see how far we can get on a one day one, in which case I wont need the trailer. It depends on the weather, espcially the weather during the Long Dark Teatime of the Audax Soul the day before. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-367309 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 18:21:15 +0000 chdot 367309@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ah trailer not trailerbike!</p> <p>Size may matter. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-367308 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 18:18:35 +0000 Arellcat 367308@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Can you take the wheels off the trailer and stow them? Then it becomes a large piece of luggage (albeit also at the guard's discretion). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-367307 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 18:15:33 +0000 chdot 367307@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>NB trains are 4 or 6 coach, so suspect minimal chance of space problems outside commuting hours. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-367306 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 18:02:52 +0000 Murun Buchstansangur 367306@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Technically against the rules but no doubt will depend on the guard.</p> <p>"Motorbikes, mopeds including electric mopeds, tricycles, and non-folding cycle trailers<br /> Due to on-train space restrictions and for customer and staff safety, we are unable to accommodate these on any ScotRail service."</p> <p><a href="https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/cycling/bikes-trains" rel="nofollow">https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/cycling/bikes-trains</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=3#post-367302 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 17:05:24 +0000 chdot 367302@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Practically speaking it’s unlikely to be a problem, especially if you have a person for the 1/2 bike.</p> <p>Even if not, SR employees seem more pragmatic/helpful in recent years. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-367299 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 16:36:00 +0000 acsimpson 367299@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Has anyone tried taking a train with a bike trailer? Specifically the one to North Berwick.</p> <p>Scotrail's site says they will take a cargo bike up to 2.5m long but there's no mention of the cargo bit being a trailer. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-365445 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 21:34:52 +0000 gembo 365445@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Bathgate trains are busy at commuting times yes but outside that if you follow Paddy Irish’s advice you should be fine getting bike on.</p> <p>Arriving a bit pissed with a minute to go and still got a ticket to buy, might come a cropper.</p> <p>Great cycling in the Bathgate Alps. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-365441 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 21:07:03 +0000 paddyirish 365441@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Not Bathgate but in general, it goes without saying that for a last train, if you board at Waverley rather than Haymarket and are there ~10-15 mins before the train is due to depart your chances go up significantly.</p> <p>It also goes without saying that there will always be one time where you do everything right, but there is a 2 carriage train and an "unhelpful" guard.</p> <p>chdot's idea of leaving a cheap bike locked at Waverley overnight is a good one. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-365439 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 19:01:13 +0000 Yodhrin 365439@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>All right sweet thanks, now I'll just have to work on nudging him towards talking to his wife about it less and his lawyer about it more :P </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-365438 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:54:40 +0000 chdot 365438@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just noticed </p> <p>“Operates without a guard”</p> <p>AND 6 coaches all(?) the time. </p> <p>Should NOT be a problem. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-365437 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:50:00 +0000 chdot 365437@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Generally *ought* to be ok.</p> <p>SR onboard crew seem to be more understanding these days and tend not to be unduly bothered with more than 2 bikes in ‘space for two bikes’.</p> <p>But if it looks like becoming a problem either get a folder OR keep a cheap bike at Waverley.</p> <p>Enjoy your new home!</p> <p>Generally colder and icier out there of course…</p> <p>Always worth avoiding ‘last train’ if you have the option. Don’t know the route at that time of day, but would be surprised if you saw another bike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-365435 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 17:49:59 +0000 Morningsider 365435@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Yodhrin - the Class 334s used on the Bathgate service have banks of tip up seats that provide an area for bike storage. The few times I have taken a bike on these services I haven't had any problem, but I haven't travelled at peak times on week days. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-365434 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 17:27:34 +0000 Yodhrin 365434@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'll pop this in here rather than start another new topic: What's the general experience with trains that have "No designated spaces. Cycles permitted in vestibule at traincrew discretion" for their cycling info on the National Rail site? A distant cousin of mine has been making noises about offering to straight-swap my Edinburgh flat for his house in Bathgate that's a fair bit nicer than I could afford if I just sold up and went looking for something, but on the occasions I might want to get back into the city(especially on less enticing winter evenings) being able to skip ~15 miles of ride would be handy(I don't own a car and don't plan to), yet all the trains I look up on the timetable have that statement, there and back.</p> <p>I don't much fancy missing an appointment or having some grumpy guard at Waverly sentence me to ride all the way back at 11pm when it's peeing with rain etc, is that kind of thing a likely prospect or is it generally not a big problem? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-359807 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 08:48:25 +0000 Tulyar 359807@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just read this tweet and added to the thread. Here is a big lobby point for local elections (unitary councils have big influence on RTP's &amp; Hitrans has been delivering already) plus bending the ear of MSP's &amp; tourism groups</p> <p>1) There are generally seats and cycle spaces on the Serco-contract Caledonian Sleeper Services, which leave Edinburgh Waverley for Inverness, Aberdeen, and Fort Bill - this weekend shorter trains are running in to &amp; out of Kings Cross rather than Euston, as WCML is closed for 4 days</p> <p><a href="https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:EDB/2022-04-16/0000-0700?stp=WVS&amp;show=all&amp;order=wtt&amp;toc=CS" rel="nofollow">https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:EDB/2022-04-16/0000-0700?stp=WVS&amp;show=all&amp;order=wtt&amp;toc=CS</a> </p> <p>Normal service</p> <p><a href="https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:EDB/2022-04-23/0000-0700?stp=WVS&amp;show=all&amp;order=wtt&amp;toc=CS" rel="nofollow">https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:EDB/2022-04-23/0000-0700?stp=WVS&amp;show=all&amp;order=wtt&amp;toc=CS</a></p> <p>Heading North - mornings<br /> - incoming train from Euston arrives 03.50, often early<br /> - an hour of slick splitting &amp; shunting, delivers trains for Aberdeen (04.39 (07.34)), Inverness (04.21 (08.35 - connection for Kyle of Lochalsh 08.55/ Aberdeen 09.01/sadly Citylink 961 for Ullapool &amp; Stornoway leaves at 08.10, with a 1 hour connection overlap at Ullapool) and Fort William (04.50 (09.57 - Mallaig 10.15 West Coast Railways - Jacobite)). The latter gets a day coach and lounge coach added, and bikes booked from Euston are transferred</p> <p>Heading South<br /> - Aberdeen depart 21.43<br /> - Inverness depart 20.45<br /> - Fort Bill depart 19.50</p> <p>Arcane &amp; revenue/capacity defending 'rules' OFFICIALLY prohibit passengers getting off the Aberdeen and Inverness services in Edinburgh (but you can get on &amp; off the Fort Bill train, just as you cannot get on this train South or off North, when it stops at Glasgow Queen Street or Springburn due to the conditions set by SPT)</p> <p>If we really want some serious committment some of these official conditions, and the timetable detail that means the Fort William train heading North runs c.20 minutes behind the train that could a) provide a cycle carrying connection to Oban &amp; b) run as a 3-coach service with the 20-bike activity carriage, and connect with the pre-midday Inner Isles sailings</p> <p>Instead of hanging around at Waverley for 1 hour waiting to depart the sleeper might depart early enough to connect with the Oban service at say Dalmuir or Dumbarton Central, with the more agile DMU, taking passengers for the stations between Dumbarton and Crianlarich</p> <p>Perhaps a supporting shot for Scotrail taking back the sleeper service, and possibly providing the train crews for all services North of Edinburgh and Glasgow, as was done with a GNER train during the 2014 games - operated as a 600-seat last train back to Edinburgh by Scotrail, every night</p> <p>2) leverage with Scottish Citylink on a topic I've been requesting through the past 4 MD's, to make bike spaces reservable on their coaches, using the same system (via counter or call centre) to book a seat - fee £1 - when you are using a Saltire Card, or an open return or carnet fare. If Ember can do this already....</p> <p>Ask also that (with the reduced hold capacity and access in 'deckers' (80 seats vs 65 per coach) the option of the European solution of a 'ski box' a detachable booster for stowing skis, extra luggage ... and bikes might soon be tested in the UK - up to 6 bikes secured to a frame that can - be attached/removed without the use of workshop facilities - in C&amp;U terms 'a receptacle' which can extend the limit of vehicle length beyond that for a whole rigid vehicle (15m) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-359607 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:11:35 +0000 chdot 359607@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://twitter.com/cyclingedin/status/1513504618797572098" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/cyclingedin/status/1513504618797572098</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-359605 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:45:17 +0000 Morningsider 359605@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Frenchy - journey was split at Perth. </p> <p>@chdot - think the system only told the guy there were no spaces bookable. The fact that no space was available on any Inverness-Edinburgh train (or combo of trains) seemed to surprise him. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-359603 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:30:05 +0000 Frenchy 359603@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Morningsider - was the jiggery pokery splitting the journey at Stirling? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-359595 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 12:05:00 +0000 chdot 359595@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So he couldn’t see if there were spaces that had been booked?</p> <p>Generally not enough capacity… </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-359594 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 11:33:00 +0000 Morningsider 359594@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot - reservations are open and I thought booking early might mean I could snag one. No such luck.</p> <p>Through a bit of jiggery-pokery, the chap found a way to book the outward trip (although not on the train I wanted) but no bike reservations were available on the day of the return trip. The guy had no idea why that might be the case. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-359593 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 11:17:40 +0000 chdot 359593@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So you weren’t able to do it?</p> <p>Is the 2 months in advance the issue?</p> <p>Did you find out when it could be booked? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19691&page=2#post-359591 Mon, 11 Apr 2022 10:59:35 +0000 Morningsider 359591@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well, despite the best efforts of a very helpful chap ay Haymarket, it seems booking a return trip for one person and a bike on a train between Edinburgh and Inverness, two months in advance, is simply too much for our rail system to cope with. </p>