Folding bikes on buses
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Amanda P
Legendary Member
- Location
- York. Well, York-ish...
I've taken a Brompton (in its big wheely "B" bag) on a bus a few times with no problems. It doesn't look like a bike in the bag, which probably helps.
Bromptonaut
Rohan Man
- Location
- Bugbrooke UK
Taken a Brompton on London buses loads of times with no comment. Just walk on with it folded but not covered & stand in the open areas used for pushchairs etc.
Only time I was ordered off was when I got on with it not fully folded - but on that occasion I wanted to discuss a dangerous pull in with the driver!!
Only time I was ordered off was when I got on with it not fully folded - but on that occasion I wanted to discuss a dangerous pull in with the driver!!
suecsi
Active Member
- Location
- Feltham, Middlesex
I have the cover and saddle bag for my Brompton, which I have taken on a 285 bus from Feltham Station to about 1/4 mile from home when I felt sick one evening. It is only 3 stops though and the bus is usually pretty empty by that point (the route goes from Kingston to Heathrow Airport Central Terminal Area, but after Feltham Station there are not too many residential areas). So far no problems, but I think it helps it being covered. I also cover it on the train, even though there is no obligation to do so, as it can get really crowded once we get to Twickenham, and it looks much less obtrusive - given I get on the closest National Rail station to Heathrow that goes to Waterloo (you could use Hayes and go to Paddington) - I've seen suitcases that are much bigger and bulkier than my Brompton. It is only a few extra seconds to whip off the cover, fold, and pop in the saddle bag. It also saves the pedal occasionally scratching my leg when I carry it (I'm not very tall).
There is an alternative bus from Feltham station that gets me a bit closer to home but because it stops just outside the airport (at Hatton Cross) it runs through all the residential areas, and picks up from the High Street shops just by the station. Consequently it is absolutely heaving with buggies and usually on the 285 I would stand in the buggy space.
There is an alternative bus from Feltham station that gets me a bit closer to home but because it stops just outside the airport (at Hatton Cross) it runs through all the residential areas, and picks up from the High Street shops just by the station. Consequently it is absolutely heaving with buggies and usually on the 285 I would stand in the buggy space.
I just take my Brompton on trains and buses without the cover on. I've never had any comments made yet. If very busy then I tend to stand next to it, but thats more to keep my hands on it rather than any other reason.
I used to cover it when i first used trains, but found that it got humped about by other passnegers thinking it was a soft bag or something. Since I started leaving it uncovered people seem to a) realise that its a bike b) keep away as it looks oily, and oil might get on their bags
I used to cover it when i first used trains, but found that it got humped about by other passnegers thinking it was a soft bag or something. Since I started leaving it uncovered people seem to a) realise that its a bike b) keep away as it looks oily, and oil might get on their bags
Seriously - how on earth do people manage to fill their suitcases, some are big enough to fit about three people in them.
suecsi
Active Member
- Location
- Feltham, Middlesex
Don't - I used to work check in at both Terminals 3 and 4 - it is frightening how much cr*p people take. I can understand if you have kids/babies - but otherwise ......
Certain flights have a trend for those checked large washing bags tied with string, various rickety cardboard boxes tied with string and packing tape, with oily stains on.
I can go away for 2 weeks on a beach with hand luggage only, though it has got more difficult as airlines have restricted the weights there as well.
I am lucky enough to board at the first station on the line in Zone 6, and probably the last one you are guaranteed to get a seat, unless there are delays. 99% of the time I sit in the same seat, next to the same person, right near the doors with my Brompton sitting close beside me with my left hand on the saddle in case it tips over when the train decides to get a shift on and start swaying about a bit.
I did buy the cover with the bus in mind though - the train station from which I get 2 trains home, is right next door to the bus station from which the previously mentioned 285 bus starts its journey, and in the bad weather before Christmas (2010 BB (Before Brompton)), the trains were totally messed up, but the buses were running. On the rare (as yet unused occasion) that I might have to resort to the bus for the whole journey, it's peace of mind.
Mind you, the total loss of the trains has happened - but it was just after the clocks changed, when we started getting the nice weather, so I cycled through the park and then all the way home in the end - but I wouldn't want to do it in winter (the park would be closed for starters).
Certain flights have a trend for those checked large washing bags tied with string, various rickety cardboard boxes tied with string and packing tape, with oily stains on.
I can go away for 2 weeks on a beach with hand luggage only, though it has got more difficult as airlines have restricted the weights there as well.
I am lucky enough to board at the first station on the line in Zone 6, and probably the last one you are guaranteed to get a seat, unless there are delays. 99% of the time I sit in the same seat, next to the same person, right near the doors with my Brompton sitting close beside me with my left hand on the saddle in case it tips over when the train decides to get a shift on and start swaying about a bit.
I did buy the cover with the bus in mind though - the train station from which I get 2 trains home, is right next door to the bus station from which the previously mentioned 285 bus starts its journey, and in the bad weather before Christmas (2010 BB (Before Brompton)), the trains were totally messed up, but the buses were running. On the rare (as yet unused occasion) that I might have to resort to the bus for the whole journey, it's peace of mind.
Mind you, the total loss of the trains has happened - but it was just after the clocks changed, when we started getting the nice weather, so I cycled through the park and then all the way home in the end - but I wouldn't want to do it in winter (the park would be closed for starters).
I take my Brompton on (London) buses maybe two-three times a month and have never had a problem. It's folded but not covered - although I do have a bike bag, in case the driver asks - and I try to board as speedily as possible - Oyster card in one hand, bike (momentarily put down) in the other. My impression is that London bus drivers really don't mind if anyone brings on a folding bike, as long as they don't delay the bus. It probably helps that for the main route that I tend to bike-bus, my boarding/alighting points are at the start and end of the route, which makes it easier to nab the most suitable seat. If more crowded, like others, I'll stand in the pushchair space. I especially like the 'snug' seat that some buses have just behind the driver; it's possible for short people to fit in this together with their Brompton. One of the pleasures of cycling is alighting from a bus at the end of its route, unfolding the bike and riding onwards. Before, I'd have had to wait like other passengers for another bus, or get a train or taxi etc.
Bromptonaut
Rohan Man
- Location
- Bugbrooke UK
The silly ar*e was behind me at lights with his stop 75 yards further on. Overtakes and then he spots waiting pax & pulls over sharply while im still alongside.
Had it happen to me several times, never managed to get ON the bus though - usually have the 'discussion'
through the little window thing they have to throw their tea bags out of...
. My main hope (before I report them) is that the passengers will be shocked at the shoddy drving and support me. But I probably live in hope!
I too have never had a problem taking my Brompton on a bus or train, although it can get awkward on the busses if people get on with push chairs & need the space behind the steps where I would otherwise put the Brommie.
I was seriously thinking of getting a Dahon Jack 7 this year as a commuter/folder 'proper' bike, i.e. MTB wheels, but I couldn't decide whether it would be reasonable to take it on a rush-hour train and I think busses would definitely be out of the question.
I was seriously thinking of getting a Dahon Jack 7 this year as a commuter/folder 'proper' bike, i.e. MTB wheels, but I couldn't decide whether it would be reasonable to take it on a rush-hour train and I think busses would definitely be out of the question.
Glow worm
Legendary Member
- Location
- Near Newmarket
About a year ago, a jobsworth station employee or manager or some such (some wet fart in a suit anyway) at Cambridge bus station told me I couldn't get on the Newmarket bus with my Brompton unless it was in a bag. 'Elf and safety innit'. Not having an enormous bag on me at the time, I decided the guy was probably bullied at school or something so let it go, without mentioning the giant, bagless, sticky out pokey prams being loaded on board at the time. So I jumped on the Brompton and cycled to the first bus stop up the road and got on the bus no problem there. Also saved 50p in fare for the privelige!
Bromptonaut
Rohan Man
- Location
- Bugbrooke UK
I think it's only a matter of time before 'gatefold' MTB's are banned from rush hour trains. The current rules are based on a Strategic Rail Authority document that's now approacching 10 yrs old and which suggests a quite large folded volume as the definition of a folding bike. I suspect any revision will be nearer the rules for ordinary luggage.
SavageHoutkop
Veteran
- Location
- South Manchester-ish
[QUOTE 1383024"]
What's the score? Does anyone take a folder on the bus? Ever had any problems?
[/quote]
Don't do it often but have on occasion with the Brompton and never with any issues. I don't travel with a bag unless I'm expecting trouble in which case the Ikea DIMPA bag comes with - but it's pretty bulky to lug about daily. I've also never bagged the bike on the train although I know strictly someone could demand I do so....
What's the score? Does anyone take a folder on the bus? Ever had any problems?
[/quote]
Don't do it often but have on occasion with the Brompton and never with any issues. I don't travel with a bag unless I'm expecting trouble in which case the Ikea DIMPA bag comes with - but it's pretty bulky to lug about daily. I've also never bagged the bike on the train although I know strictly someone could demand I do so....
