Train etiquette

fallingoff

What is the etiquette regarding full size cycles on trains,I may be travelling from Paddington to Oxford in the near future,First Great Western trains.
I understand rush hour is a no no,but thats not an issue for me,are there special carriages,a cycle ticket,prior booking,etc,?any info would be appreciated..I have searched the net but I find conflicting answers,thank you...

shyretirer

Should be okay. Depends on the train. If it's an intercity one, then there are special "bike cabins" at one or both (can;t remember) of the train. These are marked, so leave the bike there, and then grab a seat in another carriage.

If it's a "normal" commuter train, there tend to be bike racks in some of the carriages, so you can plonk them there. Or, if unavailable, I would just stand with the bike in the vestibule, so that you can move it when people need to get on or off. No extra charge, just don't travel during rush hour (about 7 to 10am London bound, or 4 to 7pm outward bound)

thistle_

Not sure what people are like on First Great Western, but around here it's common to get on with your bike and find the bike area full of luggage (next to an empty luggage rack) so you might need to be prepared to do some rearranging.

If you know what train you need to get I'd advise reserving a space. I was once refused entry to a train because I didn't have a reservation (despite there being space). The guard insisted reservations were compulsory which they weren't.

timbo58

Intercity (the best company that ever ran GW etc IMHO! :P ) (HST type -7 or 8 coaches fixed formation)
The cycle accommodation is in the TGS (should normally be the furthest end from the concourse at Paddington -check to see/hear if the train is in 'reverse formation') coach 'A' (unless FGW have in their infinite wisdom renamed everything since I was a guard there 4+ years ago).
It has 6 spaces and that's the (rulebook) limit unless the guard is happy to take more: worth reserving this (FOC) on busier trains/peak.
DON'T put the bike in the vestibules on these trains, even if it looks like there is space: that's a complete NO-NO and blocks emergency evacuation- Surfers do this constantly and it's a PITA.

As Thistle says reservations are NOT compulsory AFAIAA, however the guard may well have had reservations for a later stage of the same journey, so definitely worth reserving.

If it's a 180 they also have cycle accommodation but it's 3 cycles (hung up only) in both ends -total 6. these are 5 coach fixed formation trains.

If it's a 'Turbo' they have accommodation within the train -usually 2 or 3 adjacent to the DSB toilet IIRC? (didn't work these).

If you get a timetable it should show you the type of train it is.
HTH

fallingoff

Thanks for all ther replies,it'll be a lesiurely ride ride so if we get refused for any reason we can catch an alternative.

itboffin

You need a reservation for bikes on peak trains into and out of Paddington, there's a special carriage for this purpose at the front/back of each service but limited places.

Its free but book early and dont expect them to let you on a peak train otherwise, off peak you can if you're lucky bring it onto the actually carriage in the weird small luggage/bike space.

Be prepared for endless cancellations and delays - welcome to Worst Great Western

godders1

http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/~/me ... v_2011.pdf

goonz

Get a Brompton