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Schumer says Amtrak will test bikes on-board
Almost every non-high speed European train allows bicycles on board. Its long overdue on Amtrak. And of course, goosies still are not allowed on any train.
That’s one more thing besides seating for patrons in the “cafe” car. Storage, crew work table(s) . . .
This is good news. Every bike on board is a passenger that can finish the last mile on their own when they reach their destination. Bikes extend a pedestrian’s range by 4x according to the World Bicycle Relief. This extends the bubble of economic benefit of passenger rail to communities and will help solidify support for Amtrak.
I really think there should be some other kind of car besides the cafe car to store bikes onboard the train.
Sounds good. Good for Amtrak!
BUT, anything that Schumer says and does makes me shudder. I don’t trust him.
MANY OF AMTRAKS TRAINS HAVE ALLOWED THIS FOR YEARS…
I don’t know what all the fuss is about. I’ve taken my bike from Minnesota to Montana 3 times now. You just have to pay a small fee to put it in the baggage car in an Amtrak Supplied box { which is reusable if you take care of it ) Mine lasted all three trips with a little judicial use of gaffers tape. By the way JG I ride for my health - I’ve gotten off diabetes medication by riding so I’m not using PROVIDER CLASS health care.
Given the increasing popularity of both bikes and Amtrak, this could be a real winner. I, too, hope this test goes well and bike service is offered on other appropriate routes. The cafe car isn’t ideal for this, but Amtrak has equipment limitations. German Rail’s approach is to convert part of a coach or baggage car and install space-saving bike racks easily accessible to passengers.
Not a bad idea, really. Bikes-on-Trains are common in Europe and gaining popularity in North America. Plus it provides additional revenue from a new source.
This is not just important to recreational riding but also to commuting.
It took a US Senator to make this announcement about bikes?
Another victory for the spandex set at the expense of the travelling puiblic and the taxpayers.
Friends of mine are trying to figure out how to get to Pittsburgh with their bikes so they can ride the GAP and C&O Canal trails back to DC, without leaving a car in Pittsburgh. This solution would work perfectly for them, if it were in place by the time of this trip (it won’t be). I never realized Amtrak didn’t allow bicycles until they mentioned this dilemma to me.
Amtrak long distance trains with checked baggage service have carried boxed bicycles for a reasonable fee for many years. Believe ALL Amtrak California trains have roll on/off storage racks on lower level of each train. For trains with checked luggage capability not all stations on route have checked bag service. Most large city stations do. Might have to remove pedals and turn handle bars to fit in Amtrak provided home box. Great service where available. Amtrak needs to prioritize roll on/off bicycle storage on ALL trains.
Amtrak should consider this the next time they place an order for Superliner or Viewliner cars. The lower level of each car, much like those on the Surfliners in California, should have a designated area to store bicycles. Single level cars may be a bit more challenging for space, as two or four seats may have to be removed to provide bicycle storage space.