Search


You are here » Home arrow Get More from Cycling arrow Holidays arrow Transporting Bikes
Transporting Bikes

Planes trains and automobiles, and other modes of conveyance!

By Car
Most people travelling with a bike will use a car.  A good quality bike rack that mounts on the towbar, or straps to the back to the car, is essential for carrying full sized bikes any distance.

  • Make sure that the rack and its attachment to the vehicle (usually the towbar) are strong enough to carry the bicycle
  • Make sure your bike is securely fastened to the frame of the rack
  • Lock the bike to the rack if you plan to leave the bike and car unattended for any length of time
  • Putting the bike in the boot of the car with half hanging out is not only bad for the bike, but is unsafe for other road users and may not actually be legal in your state or territory
  • A folding bike allows you to comfortably place your bike in the boot, back seat, caravan or boat without having to worry about a bike rack
  • If your bicycle rack fitted to your vehicle obscures the rear number plate you are required by law to either obtain a bike rack number from the road authority in your state or attach the rear number plate from your car to the bicycle rack when in use and then return it to the vehicle when you are not using the bicycle rack
  • Remove the rack when the vehicle is driven without a bike being carried

By air
Currently airlines have different policies regarding transporting bicycles and it is advisable to check with the particular airline before flying. Some airlines charge you extra for carrying bicycles. Most airlines require you to put your bicycle in a suitable box.  Bike boxes can be purchased from most  airport terminals and cost around $15, alternativly they can be picked up from a bike shop for little or no cost.  Bike boxes supplied by Qantas are 180cm long, 30cm wide and 80cm high. 

Most airlines require

  • Tyres must be deflated
  • Pedals must be removed
  • Handle bars must be fixed parallel to the frame
  • If the bicycles length exceeds 140cm (55in), the front wheel should be removed and fixed beside the rear wheel, inside the bike box
  • Using cardboard bike box is convenient if you don't want to worry about a box or case when you arrive at your destination.
The safest way to transport a bike is in a hard case which are built for this purpose and provides the best protection for your bike in transit. Bike cases are available at good bike shops. Many fold up bicycles come with a carry bag which is suitable for airtravel and is easy to be carried with you once you arrive. If you are not sure as to how best pack your bike in a box, ask your local bike shop to do the job, the fee will be moderate, and you will know that your precious bike will be safe for the trip.

On the train
Travelling on suburban trains with your bike is usually just a case of walking onto the train wheeling the bike. Some time restrictions during peak hours may apply, although the bike is usually free of charge. It is best to check with your local train operator what the local regulations are. Travelling by country and interstate train requires some planning and it is advisable to pre-book as many have limited space for luggage and bikes. In some cases there is a maximum allocation for bicycles on any one service. Bikes are generally charged for, although a folded folding bike in it's cover often can travel for no charge.

Trams and buses
Carrying a bike on a tram or bus is generally not permitted, although it can depend on circumstances to a limited extent. Country buses will allow bikes if possible, although this is unfortunately often at the whim of the driver, and you may be refused travel with your bike so check before you travel. In Brisbane and in Canberra some of the buses have now bike racks. It is advisable to check beforehand which of the routes carry bike racks. Folding bikes come into their own in this case, as with their cover slipped over them, they are just another piece of luggage.

Ferries
Most ferries in Australla allow bicycles to be transported for free. The Spirit of Tasmania allows bicycles for free of charge in the off peak and shoulder season and at a small cost during peak season.

Last Updated ( Friday, 30 March 2007 )