Customers have complained about bikes on trains so Irish Rail has reacted with a ban on some services, to be rolled out across the network.
Irish Rail has begun a crackdown on cyclists bring bikes on trains in and out of Dublin’s Heuston Station.
And the company has said the move banning bikes on rush-hour Intercity services – unless placed into one of the very limited pre booked spaces – will be extended to DART services in the near future.
The step is seen as regressive, especially since train stations are proving to be one of the country’s worst bike theft black spots.
The ban on bringing bikes on trains going in and out of Heuston began today – Monday, October 19th.
“They were taking up capacity and blocking carriageways and blocking movement within the carriages,” Irish Rail’s Barry Kenny told RTE Radio 1.
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He added the move had been made because of complaints from non cycling customers who highlighted the fact that some cyclists were blocking doorways by taking their bikes on board during peak times.
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“We have had increasing number of instances of people bringing their bike on peak times which has capacity issues and indeed safety issues,” Mr Kenny explained.
"Our customers were giving us feedback where they wanted to see us apply this more strictly which is what we're doing from today, making it very clear for the benefit of cyclists and non-cyclists alike what is and not permitted.
“We have dedicated bicycle spaces on Intercity trains,” Mr Kenny said.
“When they are reserved in advance online they’re now free of charge as opposed to a €6 fee which used to apply.”
However, there are only two spaces per train for pre-booking bikes, meaning it will no longer be possible for any travellers to be certain of securing one of the slots to facilitate daily commuting.
As a first step, bikes will be banned on the services into Heuston from 7am to 9.30am and in the evening on trains departing the station between 4pm and 7pm.
Fold-up bikes are still permitted on all services at all times.
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