Carriage of bikes on V/Line trains and coaches

What you can take – Bicycles

On trains

Push bikes can be carried free on V/Line trains, subject to space being available.

Space for bikes is generally available on long-distance, locomotive-hauled services, arriving in or departing from Bairnsdale, Shepparton, Swan Hill or Warrnambool.

Space is limited on Sprinter and VLocity trains, arriving in, or departing from:

· Ararat

· Ballarat (including Wendouree)

· Bendigo

· Echuca

· Geelong (including North Geelong, South Geelong and Marshall)

· Seymour and

· Traralgon

V/Line conductors will determine whether there is enough space for you to take bikes on these trains.

Look for this sign appearing on VLocity and Sprinter trains to know which door to enter with your bike.

Bike logo

Bikes must not obstruct passageways or doorways and must not inconvenience other passengers. As space for bicycles is limited, bear in mind you may not be able to travel with your bike on the particular service you plan to take.

Passengers are strongly advised to travel in off peak times and avoid weekday services that:

· arrive into Melbourne between 07:00 and 09:30

· depart Melbourne between 16:00 and 19:00

Where possible, we recommend you box your bicycle in cardboard to avoid damage (cardboard is not available at V/Line stations).

On scheduled coaches

Bikes are not permitted on timetabled V/Line coach services with the exception of folding bikes (see Folding Bicycles, below).

On rail-replacement coaches

From time to time, it is necessary to replace trains with rail-replacement coaches.

If a rail-replacement coach operates, bikes will be carried, subject to space in the luggage area.

Note: this does not apply to long-term rail-replacement coaches Seymour <> Albury.

Folding Bicycles

Folding bikes can be carried free on V/Line trains and coaches and must

· not exceed the dimensions of 82cm long x 69cm high x 39cm wide

· have wheel rims no more than 20 inches (51cm) in diameter and

· be folded up and stored inside a bag or cover before boarding

A folding bicycle has small wheels and frame latches allowing the frame to be collapsed. Regular bicycles of any size, with or without wheels, are not considered folding bicycles and are subject to the conditions above regarding carriage of bicycles on V/Line.

Note: Folding bicycles cannot be stored in overhead luggage racks.

Leaving your bike at a station

Parking your bike

When parking your bike on hoops or rails at stations it is important to:

· use a good quality lock and chain;

· lock both the frame and the wheels to the hoops or rail;

· remove any items from your bike that could easily be stolen;

· park it in a place that is well lit and in full view of the public; and

· ensure your bike does not impede access for mobility impaired passengers. Railings along ramps need to be free for people to hold onto.

Bike lockers

Bike lockers are available at selected V/Line and Metro stations and can be rented free, after paying a bond.

These lockers can be used to store your bike and associated belongings such as helmets, clothes and shoes.

Bike cages

Bike cages are gradually being installed at stations across the state. More than 20 bikes fit in these cages which require swipe cards to enter and exit.

To find out where bike cages are available, call V/Line on 136 196. To register to use a bike cage call Bicycle Victoria on 1800 639 634 or visit bv.com.au (new window)

Liability

Please note bicycles are carried on V/Line services and stored at stations at your own risk.

Further information

Please call us on 136 196 with any enquiries.

What you can take – Carriage of large items

What you can take – Luggage

What you can take – Carriage of animals