Commuting cyclists are now able to find out how much space there is for bikes on their chosen trains through an update to the free National Rail Enquiries app.
Now, the popular National Rail Enquiries app allows iPhone and Android phone users to check train operators' rules about carrying bikes, and how many spaces there are on timetabled trains. On network operators that require reservations, such as East Coast, there's also live data to allow users to check how many spots have been taken on their chosen train.
The app upgrade is a joint project funded by the Association of Train operating Companies, the Department for Transport and the Bicycle Association of Great Britain.
Limited bikes space on often overcrowded trains is a constant source of friction between rail operators and weary commuters. Earlier this week a Cambridgeshire cyclist Steve Sharp called First Capital Connect's bike ban on peak time trains 'draconian' after the company acted on complaints from other passengers about bikes taking up space.
Sharp told the Cambridge News: "There is plenty of space on these trains. I’m on the train for 10 minutes and I’m not bothering anyone, but it’s a huge inconvenience for me."