Buses and bike carriers.

[Moe]

Hi! Are bikes allowed on buses (or trains if I think ahead!) or does it depend on the bus company? I would like to go further afield with my bike on the bus and then go for a ride.... I have a mountain bike.
Also, we have a fiat Punto, and was wondering what kind of bike carrier would be best for our car.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

My experience has been it is entirely dependent on the driver on the day.

 

[Crankarm]

I would suggest riding your bike. I've never ever had a desire nor will have to take my bike(s) on a bus. Don't be so lazy ride it.

 

[ScotiaLass]

On most train local services you can take a bike without booking.
They don't allow bikes on buses at all where I live!

 

[Moe]

Crankarm, I wasn't been lazy, I just wanted to get to different parts of the country or for charity rides. I can only go so far on two wheels. Unfortunately, we don't have a train station where I live, there for would have to go on the bus to get on a train...

 

[thecube]

I think Crankarm is talking garbage. Of course wanting to use public transport to move you and your bike around the country doesn't make you lazy. I have never done it, but I do see people on the train with bikes quite regularly so it must be feasible.

 

[Bryony]

Local train services will be fine to take your bike on I do it all the time! Buses are a lot different! They usually allow folders on as they fold up and fit in the luggage area. I once had a mechanical out riding once and it was going to be a long walk home so I waited at the bus stop and then asked the driver if I could take the bike on. He said no because it doesn't fold and so would not fit in the luggage area, so I asked if I could take the wheels off and see if the frame fitted................it did (just!!) so was allowed on with the bike!

 

[raleighnut]

You could always cycle to the train station, I've used trains to get to the start of a weekend tour when time prevented me from doing the whole thing by bike.

 

[snorri]

Crankarm, I wasn't been lazy,..

Don't worry about Crankarm Moe, he can be a trifle abrasive at times

 

[Moe]

Thank you snorri, unfortunately, I am quite a distance from our closest train station and at the moment, for me, there and back would be a long ride in it's self! Guess I am stuck in the place I live! Feels like I am trapped here sometimes and I am starting to get fed up of seeing the same trees and hills roll by!! REALLY annoying!!

 

[screenman]

Be grateful for the tree's and hills, it could be worse.

I think the others have answered your questions.

Keep cycling and keep smiling, it helps make the world a nicer place.

 

[vickster]

Put seats down in punto and stick bike in boot. May or may not need to remove front wheel

 

[andabby]

We have buses that take bikes, they like double deckers but the bottom half is for luggage, even says on side that they take them, also bikes go free on trains, same as kids here, but less hastle.

 

[BigAl68]

Local train services will be fine to take your bike on I do it all the time! Buses are a lot different! They usually allow folders on as they fold up and fit in the luggage area. I once had a mechanical out riding once and it was going to be a long walk home so I waited at the bus stop and then asked the driver if I could take the bike on. He said no because it doesn't fold and so would not fit in the luggage area, so I asked if I could take the wheels off and see if the frame fitted................it did (just!!) so was allowed on with the bike!

That's the only way I have ever taken a bike on a bus also. In Bath the local cycle groups have discussed putting carrying frames on the front of the buses on the rural routes as they do in other countries. It seems first aren't interested one bit.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Feels like I am trapped here sometimes and I am starting to get fed up of seeing the same trees and hills roll by!! REALLY annoying!!

the trick is not to look at the scenery, but at the changes in the scenery as the light and the seasons change. Look at the small details. Around here the daffodils have started to poke their heads above the soil now (normal at this time of year), there was some wonderful winter light highlighting the nooks and crannies that various birds were exploring for insects and there are several branches that are clearly look out posts or sunning posts for various larger birds of prey around here. And I am confined to within a 200 metre radius of my home currently because that is as far as I can walk being of my bike with a bad back.