Can I take a bicycle when boarding a VIA Rail train at a small (flag) stop?
VIA Rails takes bicycles on trains that have checked baggage, under the following conditions:
Bicycles require specific protection. We recommend that you store your bicycle in a special protective box, which you can obtain free of charge at the station. You’ll need to turn the handlebars and remove the pedals, so bring the necessary tools with you as we cannot supply them.
And:
However, if your bicycle is not boxed, VIA Rail accepts no liability in the event of damage.
On the other hand, they have a long list of special articles accepted on northern routes — including doors, windows, refrigerators and carcasses...
Will VIA Rail accept an unboxed bicycle when boarding at a small stop that does not have a station, much less bicycle boxes? For example, at one of the many flag stops in Northern Ontario, that lack physical stations. Can I board a train with my bicycle there?
Edit: For clarification, the route through Northern Ontario I'm taking does have checked baggage on the train, but the small flag stops I am considering do not have any services.
Best Answer
It seems the answer is maybe depending on if the train has checked baggage service or not and if your bike is a folding bike or not, according to the website from your post.
http://www.viarail.ca/en/travel-info/baggage/checked-baggage
The following articles can only be transported if checked baggage service is available on your train. If there is no checked baggage service, you cannot carry these articles.
Pets Camping equipment Articles exceeding 66 × 46 × 23 cm (26 × 18 × 9 in.) Articles weighing more than 23 kg (50 lb.) Cradles Bicycles Canoes, kayaks, sailboards TrunksProtecting bicycles
Bicycles require specific protection. We recommend that you store your bicycle in a special protective box, which you can obtain free of charge at the station. You’ll need to turn the handlebars and remove the pedals, so bring the necessary tools with you as we cannot supply them. If you cannot remove the pedals from your bicycle, we can provide you with a protective bag instead of a box. However, if your bicycle is not boxed, VIA Rail accepts no liability in the event of damage.
The bicycle protection box is only meant to protect VIA because they do not want to take responsibility on damaged bikes. So if you boarding a train that has the service from a remote station which means you cannot get a box
The list about the Northern routes is there to specify unusual items that could be common in those areas. For example, you probably won't see people carrying carcasses in Toronto.
I am not sure which stop you are at but there is also a paragraph about which train you are on
If your train does not have a baggage car, no checked baggage service will be offered. You will therefore have to comply with the carry-on baggage policy. Please refer to the carry-on baggage section for more details.
The carry on link is http://www.viarail.ca/en/travel-info/baggage/carry-baggage in that page they do mention folding bicycles can be carried on as long as it fits that dimension (62 inch linear).
I honestly find some of this or the combination of some of the info confusing. It is best to give them a call so you can ask for specifics.
1-888 VIA RAIL (842-7245)
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Can you bring a bicycle on VIA Rail?
VIA Rail accepts 1 bike per passenger. The vast majority of our baggage cars have a bicycle rack that can accommodate up to 12 bicycles. It is possible to check bikes for some intermediate stations where there is a checked baggage service.Can you bring your own food on VIA Rail?
You can bring your own food on the train (as meals are not included in Economy class), however there are also snacks, meals, and beverages available to purchase on board with cash or credit. If you're travelling with kids, ask an agent on board for the kids activity book.Can you bring a backpack on VIA Rail?
A carry-on bag is an article that you can bring on board that must be stored under the seat in front of you or above your seat in a bin or on a luggage rack. Please note that purses are not considered as baggage, nor are baby strollers measuring no more than 25.5 cm (10 in.)Is there security check on VIA Rail?
There are no security checkpoints. Via recommends arriving 30 minutes early but that only really matters if you are checking luggage and not all Corridor trains even have baggage cars. You can bring your own food and (non-alcoholic) beverages with you aboard the train. There is also items sold aboard the train.How to Take Your Bike on the Subway or Train
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