Cycles on London Midland.

[TrainfanBen]

Mods: This isn't strictly about fares, so please move this post if necessary.

I'm thinking of travelling Coventry-Tamworth via Nuneaton with my bike.

I won't be travelling during a peak time, and LM don't seem to bother with reservations so I'm just going to turn up.

Should I approach the guard first on each leg? (I imagine it would be the COV-NUN leg that proves difficult).

Also, if anybody has any other good advice for travelling with cycles please feel free to post them on here, I've search through other posts but there is nothing definitive or useful beyond getting reservations!

Thanks!

 

[yorkie]

Have you seen https://www.londonmidland.com/travel-information/on-board/cycles ?

Cycling is great for the environment and keeps you healthy too. Why not cycle to your local station and continue your onward journey on a London Midland train? You can leave your cycle at many local stations, check what types of storage facilities are available.

• we welcome two bikes on board each service, free of charge and many of our newer trains have dedicated spaces within them just for cycles. If the train is quiet the Senior Conductor can allow more bikes on at his or her discretion.

• due to capacity constraints, full-size cycles cannot be taken on board certain peak time trains.

• we can't take full size cycles on any train arriving in London Euston between 0700 and 0959, or departing from London Euston between 1600 and 1859 on Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays).

• folding cycles can be carried without charge on any service at any time.

• if you want to take your bike on the train, check details of our quieter trains from our busiest stations (subject to the above restrictions).

 

[TrainfanBen]

Have you seen https://www.londonmidland.com/travel-information/on-board/cycles ?

Yes I did :P but it didn't quite answer my question.
Serveral sub links from that page are broken (That supposedly give info on which services are quieter) and also it doesn't actually specify whether I need to approach the guard or just 'get on and hope'.

I don't want to cause an obstruction especially on a 153. But I guess the layover means I have enough time to speak to the guard.
As usual I've probably answered my own question.

Any other general advice for travelling on the railway with a cycle would still be welcome though.

Obviously no riding on railway premises e.g in buildings or on platforms.

 

[Bletchleyite]

You just board and store the cycle in the area provided. On a 153 this is at the same end as the toilet. If there are already two ask the guard, he may permit it elsewhere, but does have the right to refuse.