Cycles
Customers who want to cycle to our stations and use our trains to carry their cycles are very welcome.To make your journey with us as pleasant and as easy as possible, we've prepared a leaflet giving you information about cycling by train.
Please note there have been some changes to the cycling by train: Download the Cycling by Train booklet (PDF format).
The leaflet covers all aspects of cycling by train, from planning your journey to cycle storage facilities at stations and on train. Our key advice to customers who take their cycle on the train is summed up below:
Plan ahead - When you buy your tickets check if your train has any restrictions on carrying cycles, or to see if reservations are recommended.
Check for engineering work - If Rail Replacement buses are operating in place of trains during engineering work, you won't be able to take your cycle on them. 
Reserve your cycle space - On all High Speed Trains, we recommend you make an advance reservation. That way we can guarantee you a cycle space. Customer numbers are continually growing and at certain times our trains are particularly busy. This means we have to impose restrictions on cycles, at our busiest periods, so we don't affect our customers comfort or safety. Services where compulsory cycle reservations are necessary will be marked with a pink dot in our Train Times books.
Where cycles are not permitted, this is marked with a pink cross in a circle.
Please note that a maximum of two cycles can be carried on local services (two or four carriage diesel trains) at peak times in an area bounded by Weston-super-Mare, Bristol Parkway and Bath Spa. The peak times are Monday to Friday between 0730 and 0900, and 1630 to 1830.
On peak services to/from London Paddington, cycle reservations are essential for:
All First Great Western high-speed services which:
- Arrive at London Paddington between 07.00 and 10:00, Monday to Friday
- Depart from London Paddington between 15.00 and 19.00 Monday to Friday
- Arrive at London Paddington between 07.45 and 09.45, Monday to Friday
- Depart from London Paddington between 16.30 and 18:30, Monday to Friday
No cycling around stations - For safety reasons, don't ride your cycle anywhere in the station, the concourse, or on platforms.
Ticket Gates - If the station has ticket gates, please use the staff operated gate, as this is wide enough for cycles.
Where to wait - Platform staff will be able to advise you where you'll find the cycle storage on your train. If there are no platform staff to help, please refer to "Where to store your cycle’ in our Cycling by train leaflet.
Storing your cycle on-train - Cycle storage space is provided for you on most trains. If it's available, please use it. Please don't leave your cycle where it will obstruct the doors on High Speed Trains or on Adelante Trains. For safety reasons, we will have to remove any cycles that are likely to cause an obstruction.
Do not lock bikes to anything in the train - If you lose the keys, we can't delay the train to remove the cycle.
Remove all valuables - Panniers, lights, pumps or valuable equipment should be taken with you. We can't be held responsible for anything that goes missing.
Access cycle and seating areas via the platform - For security reasons, on our Adelante and High Speed Trains, you can't get into the cycle compartments from other carriages.
Inform the Train Manager of your destination - This is vital. He or she will make sure you have access to the cycle storage and ensure there is enough time to unload your cycle.
When you are close to your destination - Make sure you have all your belongings with you and are ready to leave the train by the door nearest to where your cycle is stored.
Go cycling in Cornwall
Ride across England in a day, down the Coast to Coast trail, which runs for 11 miles, almost entirely off road, from the lovely coastal village of Portreath to Devoran, alongside the stunning Restronguet Creek.
Find out more about country rides in Cornwall from www.thebikebarn.org
Bikes now available to hire from Reading Station. Go to the OYBike website for more information.
If you would like to contact us regarding your experiences using a bicycle on our trains please click here
Download the National Rail Cycling by Train Guide which gives information on carrying cycles on other operators services. Back to top
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