General

Cyclists must be at least 12 years old. For safety reasons, bicycles cannot be taken on escalators and must not be ridden in or around train stations, on station platforms or ramps. The number of bicycles is limited to 32 per gallery car train and 16 per Baby Bullet train. There is no charge to bring a bicycle on board. In unusual circumstances, at his or her discretion, the conductor may refuse transportation or revise the handling of bicycles due to crowded trains, bicycle condition or unsafe conditions.

Violation of any of these rules may result in eviction from the train. It is the responsibility of the cyclist to know and obey program rules and guidelines. Caltrain may alter the bicycle program at any time, as necessary.

Bicycle Types

Only single-rider bicycles are permitted on trains. Maximum bicycle length is 80 inches, and bikes must not protrude into the aisle. No fuel-powered, tandem or three-wheel bikes are permitted. Detachable or collapsible trailers or large, bulky attachments which expand bike width, such as saddlebags, backpacks or briefcases, are not allowed.

Bicycles must be kept clean and free of excessive dirt and grease. Bikes must have no protrusions which could cause injury or damage.

Folding Bikes

Folding bikes are allowed on any train car as they are no wider than 32 inches at the widest point.

Folding bikes must be in the folded position prior to boarding and must remain under the control of the owner while on board. Folding bikes must be able to be stored under the seat in front of you or be placed in the luggage racks provided by Caltrain.

Folding bikes may not be placed on seats and must not block aisles, stairs or vestibules. Folding bikes may not be stored in the space reserved for passengers wheelchairs.

Dirt or grease from folding bikes must not be transferred to the interior of the car, other passengers, or crew members. If the bike is dirty, it must be placed in a bag to prevent soiling of the rail car. It is at the conductors' discretion to reject the boarding of a folding bike that they determine is not protected and appears to be greasy or dirty.

Folding bikes that are not in the bike rack must remain folded until the passenger has fully left the train.

Bringing Your Bike Onboard

Boarding of bicycles is in the designated car and is on a first-come, first-served basis. If the bike car is full, the cyclist will have to get off and await the next train.

A maximum of four bicycles may be stored in each bicycle rack that is located in Caltrain's bike cars. These are cab cars that are located on the northernmost end of the train. The bike car is noted with a yellow bike decal on the outside. Cyclists should use destination tags, prominently displayed, to indicate where they are getting off the train.

Cyclists must use the bungee cords that are provided to secure their bikes. The kickstand must be up. Do not chain or lock bicycles to train fixtures. Cyclists should stay near their bikes while on the train and should sit in the same car as the bikes. Do not stay in the vestibule or near the upper-level step area. Please follow the posted instructions for bicycle placement and cooperate in boarding.

Caltrain conductors are not permitted to assist in boarding bicycles. Before boarding bicycles, let non-cyclists board and deboard. The cyclist must be ready to board or detrain as soon as the train arrives at a station. At the train's final stop, the cyclist must wait until all other passengers have exited the car before removing his or her bicycle from the rack.

In the event of an emergency, cyclists must leave their bicycles on the train and follow the instructions of train personnel.

Bikes and Baby Bullet Trains

With the significant travel time savings that they offer over local service, Caltrain's Baby Bullet express trains will be much in-demand. That's why it's essential that the available seating capacity for Caltrain riders be preserved so as many passengers as possible can benefit from this major enhancement in Caltrain service.

Recognizing that bicyclists want to be able to access Baby Bullet trains, too, bikes will still be allowed on Baby Bullet trains, but the maximum number of spaces will be limited to 16 per train. It should be noted that, with the additional frequency that is accompanying the Baby Bullet service, there will be an overall increase in Caltrain's capacity to carry bikes during the commute-hour.

Bike Lockers at Caltrain

To rent a bike locker, you can fill out an application (PDF, 64.6 KB) or call 650.508.6350, or 408.321.7520 for stations south of the Tamien station. For bike lockers in the City of San Mateo, call 650.522.7336.

Bikes are secured to the bike rack with bungee cords. Destination tags, which are strongly encouraged, are available at staffed Caltrain stations or by calling Caltrain at 1.800.660.4287.

Caltrain is not responsible for any theft or damage to bicycles while on the train.

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