Amtrak has begun checked trackside bicycle service on most long-distance trains.
The service is available only at stations that have checked baggage service.
Passengers with bikes must check in with a station agent, obtain a claim check/baggage tag for their bike, and then give that to a crew member inside the baggage car of their train.
Passengers must retrieve their bikes from the baggage car from a crew member once they reach their destination.
The new procedure has ended the need for passengers to break down and box their bikes on long-distance trains. Checked bikes also require payment of a $25 fee.
The service is not yet available on the Portland section of the Empire Builder, the Boston section of the Lake Shore Limited or on the Coast Starlight.
Amtrak said checked bike service will begin on the Seattle-Los Angeles Coast Starlight at a date to be announced.
Amtrak’s 70 new Viewliner II baggage cars have racks to hang bicycles.