A bicycle can go where another car cannot get through - that is a fact. But all the time there is a need to transport the bike itself to a more or less distant distance. It's time to figure out exactly how to do this, and what you need to consider for bike owners to avoid problems.
Urban transport
If cyclists cannot ride directly from home (for example, they are going to train at a distant stadium or in the suburbs), the bike has to be transported. And the easiest way to do this is the owners of personal cars. Some machine models (for example, from Opel) are even equipped with special mountings. Roof placement is not only the “oldest”, but also the safest option. Fasteners are equipped with locks to prevent theft.
Some car manufacturers even offer bike mounts. on the back door. But the cost of such devices starts from 4000 rubles. As for transporting a bike in the trunk or in the passenger compartment, this minimizes the risk of theft. However, the bike then can only be transported disassembled, otherwise it will not fit there. In addition, many people cannot carry a bicycle by car.
On the bus, this can be done. However, keep in mind that carrier regulations almost always bypass the transport of a bicycle. In the best case, the dimensions of hand luggage and luggage are usually mentioned. In addition, an attempt to enter the bus at rush hour is unlikely to be successful. If the passage is allowed, they will “delight” that you need to pay.
Passengers usually pay as much for a bike as for 1 adult.
In this case, one must remember about the limitation: In total, the length, height and width of the bike should have a size of not more than 1.8 m. If you do not buy a ticket or violate the requirements for baggage, you will have to pay a fine when meeting with the controllers. By similar rules, cyclists can ride a tram, a trolley. But it is better to refrain from experimenting with a minibus. There are not so much formal rules in force as considerations of the convenience of the driver and other passengers; and riding a bike yourself is not very convenient.
Concluding the review of travel options in public transport, it is worth pointing out that only a child’s or folding bike can be taken in the subway. A full-fledged highway “horse” will not be missed. According to the metro criteria, a bicycle is considered to be “disassembled and packed” when:
- removed the front wheel;
- turned the steering wheel at a right angle;
- put accessories or optional parts in a bag or case.
In the metro, the maximum total dimensions on all three axes are 1.5 m.
If they are larger, free travel is not possible. Have to buy an extra ticket. In a car it is better to put the bike closer to the doors, but so that there is no interference with their opening and closing, the passage of people. You cannot ride a bicycle at subway and monorail stations, or in a carriage.
Intercity transportation
Many people have to ride a bike very far. And that's why It is important to know the rules for taking a long-distance bus. Typically, the travel rules of the transport company explain at the box office when buying a ticket. Prudent passengers visit sites in advance or specify the necessary information by phone.
Typically, a bicycle is recognized as baggage, and is transported, respectively, in the luggage compartment.
But when boarding at a bus stop (if, of course, the bus makes stops along the route), there may not be enough space in the luggage compartment.
According to the decree of the government of the Russian Federation the amount of luggage carried in intercity traffic is strictly limited.
The maximum allowable dimensions of the bicycle on all three axes are 1.8 m.
All baggage is checked at checkout. Her sample and basic details are established officially. Be sure to write the declared value and fare for baggage with a certain declared value.
Keep in mind that carriers set their own additional rules.
Firm Ecolines, for example, allows you to take 3 pieces of luggage up to 30 kg each; the carrier is responsible for the delivery of the goods, but not for its serviceability or safety of the basic qualities. Damaged wheels and handles, the appearance of scratches and dents are considered minor damage and are not recognized as a basis for claims. Extra baggage (in excess of normal weight) may not be accepted even for a fee.
But on a long journey, people can go by train. Disassembled bikes in the package are equivalent to 1 baggage bag weighing 10 kg. It is the duty of the passengers to store the bike on the road which will not cause problems to other people. Carriage of bikes in the luggage compartment is allowed. From 1 passenger there will be 3 baggage positions with a total weight of up to 200 kg, and 1 seat can weigh a maximum of 75 kg.
There is also a completely “extreme” case: when you need to fly somewhere with a bicycle. All airlines classify such baggage as oversized cargo. It can be transported free of charge only when the weight restrictions established by the carrier are complied with. Pack the bike separately from other things. A tag is placed where non-standard loads are registered. Estimated rates of leading companies are as follows:
- Aeroflot - 50 euros;
- Qatar Airways and Emirates - up to 30 kg for free;
- Air France - 75 euros;
- KLM - 55 EUR;
- Lufthansa - free of charge within the limit for each class of service;
- Ryanair - 80 euros for a round-trip flight.
Special attention should be paid to such topics as bicycle and water transport.
On river and sea vessels, transporting bikes does not present any problems.
Almost any ferry and pleasure cruise ship has specially designated places for this. On small vessels, where there is little space, you will have to negotiate directly with the crew. Anyway it is better to take a cover and fasten the bike so that it does not fall during a pitching or storm.
Tara
Regardless of the particular mode of transport, it is better to pack a bike. A very reliable way - purchase of a special case. True, it costs not at all cheaply, but directly on the hike such packaging will not work. You can prepare yourself using:
- plastic ties for wires;
- stretch wrapping film;
- luggage elastic bands;
- nippers;
- knife;
- a couple of rolls of wide tape.
Previously, everything unnecessary is removed from the bicycle, the pedals, the front wheel and the saddle are removed. Then dismantle the steering wheel and rear wheel. The switch is seized with a plastic clamp inside the rear triangle, pedals are also attached there. They put the bicycle on a karemat and fix it with tape so that the mat does not fall off.
In the next video you will learn the features of transporting a bicycle on an Aeroflot aircraft.
