The Inconvenience of a Late Train With a Bike

Yesterday I went for an evening bike ride in Geneva and I chose to take the train home, rather than cycle. In the process I saw that trains are not that convenient later at night. The reason for this is that they’re smaller, so the space for bikes is restricted.

A person boarded before me so he was able to put his bike down and go and sit. I was after him so I was stuck standing with my bike. I held the rear brake and used the bike as a seat. I was careful not to fall over, and to keep the passage free for people boarding and getting off.

If you’re of the mind “I’ll take the train home, once the sun sets”, be aware that the train might be shorter, and far less convenient. If I took the time four times I would amortise the cost of a light, and with a light I could head home despite the sun setting.

I calculated that it would take fourty or more minutes to get home, and that there were fourty minutes before sunset. As a result it didn’t make sense to risk being caught out. I was also tired. This is my second day of cycling in a row and the group was fast when I felt the need for a slower pace.

Nocturnal Need for Bike Capacity

In my eyes the CFF/SBB should take into consideration that people might cycle until sunset and that by cycling until sunset they made need a train to repatriate them home. If trains have minimal capacity for bikes, then it encourages people to take their bikes in their cars, and then to ride from somewhere where parking is free.

That’s what I had considered. That’s what I would consider in future. In a single day of parking in Geneva I justify the cost of a light for riding at night.

And Finally

I could ride with people in Geneva every Thursday evening, if it wasn’t for the nuissance of getting back to Geneva while the sun is setting. I can take the Route Du Lac and be on a dedicated cycling route until Nyon, and then head back via places with street lighting when I am on the road.

If trains are not configured for cyclists, I am tempted to stick with the Nyon cycling group, rather than Geneva. I prefer not to ride at night, and if I do I will make sure that I am visible from a distance.