Long Island Commuter in need of help dealing with the LIRR
 

I posted this in the regional forums, but there is very little traffic in that forum so I hope you don't mind me posting here.

Looking for some local advice,

I Just picked up a bike permit so I could bring my bike on the train with me. The idea being that I ride the train in the morning to work and then ride the bike home, I live 8 miles from my workplace, only 4 stops on the train. To my dismay the Long Island rail road has pretty much blacked out bikes on the train.

TIMES BIKES ARE NOT ALLOWED ON TRAINS

Normal:
Weekday morning rush hours 6am to 10am,
Weekday evenings 3pm to 8pm
Saturday 7am to 10am, 4pm to 6pm
Sundays 5pm to 8pm, 10pm to 12am

My question is this...

How strict are the rail road staff (ticket clippers) about these regulations? I typically catch the 830 train from Seaford to Baldwin and the train no where near even 50% capacity.

Im hoping a fellow LI cyclist with a little more experience commuting and with the LIRR and can give me some guidance.

Thanks, -Sam

No help with the LIRR. Pedal all the way in? Maybe you want to be presentable for work. Carry a folding bike in a bag? Alternate riding in each direction?

The response you got on the regional forum was pretty accurate. Many LIRR conductors do not know the company's policy toward bicycles, so you MIGHT be able to schmooze a conductor and get some special treatment, or you might not. This works OK if you're just using the train to get to the start of a recreational ride; however, when you need to get to work, you probably want to know before you leave the house.

I think it all depends on how busy the train is. My advice is to dumb down your bike as much as possible so there are no protruding accessories like mirrors, panniers, etc. Conductors will want the aisles and exits to be as clear as possible. Also, I find that showing up with a clean bike helps, as this means the conductor won't be stuck with a muddy train after you get off.

Good luck!