Bicycle General Info

General

Cyclists must be at least 6 years old. Cyclists younger than 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and be able to carry their own bike on and off the train.  For safety reasons, bicycles cannot be taken on escalators and must not be ridden in or around train stations, on station platforms or ramps.  Bicyclists may be prohibited from boarding the train for violating the policy. 

Each gallery car train set has two bike cars and Bombardier train set is equipped with three bike cards. The number of bicycles is limited to 40 per gallery car (80 bikes total for train) and 24 per Bombardier car (72 bikes total for train). There is no charge to bring a bicycle on board. In unusual circumstances, at his or her discretion, the conductor may decline transportation or revise the handling of bicycles due to crowded trains, bicycle condition or unsafe conditions.

Violation of any of these rules may result in eviction from the train. It is the responsibility of the cyclist to know and obey program rules and guidelines. Caltrain may alter the bicycle program at any time, as necessary.

Bicycle Types

Only single-rider bicycles are permitted on trains. Maximum bicycle length is 80 inches, and bikes must not protrude into the aisle. No fuel-powered, tandem or three-wheel bikes are permitted. Training wheels, detachable or collapsible trailers or large, bulky attachments which expand bike width, such as saddlebags, baskets, backpacks or briefcases, are not allowed.

Bicycles must be kept clean and free of excessive dirt and grease. Bikes must have no protrusions which could cause injury or damage.

Folding Bikes

Folding bikes are allowed on any train car as they are no wider than 32 inches at the widest point.

Folding bikes must be in the folded position prior to boarding and must remain under the control of the owner while on board. Folding bikes must be able to be stored under the seat in front of you or be placed in the luggage racks provided by Caltrain.

Folding bikes may not be placed on seats and must not block aisles, stairs or vestibules. Folding bikes may not be stored in the space reserved for passengers wheelchairs.

Dirt or grease from folding bikes must not be transferred to the interior of the car, other passengers, or crew members. If the bike is dirty, it must be placed in a bag to prevent soiling of the rail car. It is at the conductors' discretion to reject the boarding of a folding bike that they determine is not protected and appears to be greasy or dirty.

Folding bikes that are not in the bike rack must remain folded until the passenger has fully left the train.

Bringing Your Bike Onboard

Boarding of bicycles is in the designated car and is on a first-come, first-served basis. If the bike car is full, the cyclist will have to get off and await the next train. For safety reasons, aisles must remain clear of bikes and other items.

A maximum of four bicycles may be stored in each bicycle rack that is located in Caltrain's bike cars. These are cab cars that are located on the northernmost end of the train as well as in the middle of the train set. The bike car is noted with a yellow bike decal on the outside. Cyclists should use destination tags, prominently displayed, to indicate where they are getting off the train. 

Cyclists must use the bungee cords that are provided to secure their bikes. The kickstand must be up. Do not chain or lock bicycles to train fixtures. Cyclists should stay near their bikes while on the train and should sit in the same car as the bikes. Do not stay in the vestibule or near the upper-level step area. Please follow the posted instructions for bicycle placement and cooperate in boarding.  If your bicycle is taken by another customer, please report it to the Transit Police at 1.877.723.7245 (1.877.SAF.RAIL).

Caltrain conductors are not permitted to assist in boarding bicycles. Before boarding bicycles, let non-cyclists board and deboard. The cyclist must be ready to board or detrain as soon as the train arrives at a station. At the train's final stop, the cyclist must wait until all other passengers have exited the car before removing his or her bicycle from the rack.

In the event of an emergency, cyclists must leave their bicycles on the train and follow the instructions of train personnel.

Bikes Destination Tags

Cyclists should prominently displayed destination tags to indicate where they are getting off the train. Destination tags are strongly encouraged and you can download and create your own bike tag HERE.

Bike Lockers at Caltrain

Interested in renting a bike locker?  Check out the Bicycle Parking page for availability at your station and for an application.  The Bicycle Parking page also provides information on other options available at stations.

 

Cyclists are legally responsible for any damage to the train's equipment and/or for any injury to other passengers or train personnel as a result of the cyclist's negligence.

Caltrain is not responsible for any theft or damage to bicycles while on the train.

4/4/16 - jsn