VRE to allow full sized bicycles (w/limits) starting tomorrow

(This post got lost in my queue so it's not tomorrow, it was over a month ago)

Here, via GGW

Virginia Railway Express will begin allowing full-size bicycles on trains starting Friday as part of a pilot program, according to an agency report. The commuter train service that runs from Manassas and Fredericksburg into the District previously allowed only folding bikes on its trains. Bicyclists have been asking to take regular bikes on the trains for years, but the new rules have some restrictions. Bicycles will be allowed only on the last three northbound trains, the midday and the last three southbound trains of the day. VRE is limiting bikes to two per train car and says they must be tethered to train seats.

Those specific trains are

Fredericksburg Line
Northbound	306	308	310
Southbound	301	309	311	313

Manassas Line
Northbound	328	330	332
Southbound	325	333	335	337

• Bicycles must board at the northern-most car on the train and use the southern half of the car.


• No more than two (2) bicycles are allowed on the car. If the car already has two bikes, you cannot bring your bike on the train and must wait for the next one.


• Bicycles must be tethered to the bench seats using a bungee cord attached to the eyelet on the seat frame. The south end bench is distinguishable by only having four (4) folding seats. Bicyclists will be responsible for securing their bicycle.


• The bench seating on the north end of the car is priority seating for passengers with disabilities. This area is located directly across from the restroom and cannot be used for bicycles.


• If the bench seating for bicycles is occupied by passengers, the bicycle rider may ask the passenger to vacate the seat or ask the conductor for assistance if the passenger is unwilling to move. The priority will be for the bicycles.


• For the safety and convenience of our other riders, bikes will be boarded and removed last after all other passengers have boarded or detrained.


• Passengers are not permitted to ride bicycles on the platforms or trains.


• Bicycles must be clean and free of grease.


• VRE will not be responsible for the security of bikes brought on board.