Bicycles

We’re making it easier to combine biking and GO Transit travel by offering new amenities and services to our customers.

To help put your plans in motion, here are a few links to cycle through.

Reserved bicycle parking pilot program at Burlington and Hamilton GO stations
Bike racks on buses
Bikes on trains
Shelters
Bike Station at Union Station
Bike security
Paths and routes
Cycling rules of the road
Quick facts

Reserved bicycle parking pilot program at Burlington and Hamilton GO stations

Starting this fall, GO Transit is piloting a new program to offer reserved bicycle parking spots at the Burlington and Hamilton GO Stations. A bicycle parking enclosure will be available at each of these locations to customers who register for a reserved bike spot. Customers will be issued a key fob that gives them access to the designated area for an annual cost of $50.00.

To sign up for a reserved bicycle parking spot, please pick up an application form at Union Station Customer Service, Burlington or Hamilton GO Stations, or download the form now.

For additional information on the reserved parking program, please email bikeparking@gotransit.com or call (416) 869-3200.

Bike racks on buses

Our entire bus fleet, including our highway and double decker buses, is equipped with bike racks. This means that you can bring your bike anywhere the GO Bus goes.

The racks are on the front bumper of the bus, and each one can carry up to two bicycles. There is no extra charge to use the bike racks. Availability is on a first come, first served basis. If the rack is full, please wait for the next GO Bus with girl putting bike into rack bus. Customers are responsible for loading and unloading their own bikes.

Folding bicycles in proper carrying cases can be stored in the underfloor luggage compartment (not all buses have one).

This cycle-friendly service lets our customers take their bikes on our buses any time of day.

For more information, please read our GO bike by bus brochure.

Bikes on trains

When can I take a bicycle onto a GO Train?

You may take a bicycle on any GO Train on a Saturday, Sunday, or statutory holiday.

On weekdays, due to rush-hour crowding, you may not take them on trains scheduled to arrive at Union Station between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. or that leave Union Station between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Bicycles are also prohibited inside Union Station during those times.

Bicycles are permitted on all other trains, including weekday off-peak, and those travelling opposite to peak direction.

For example, you may bring your bicycle on trains travelling away from Union Station in the morning peak period as long as you do not board at Union Station. Similarly, you can bring your bicycle on trains traveling towards Union Station in the afternoon peak period as long as you get off the train before it arrives at Union.

What if, for example, I got on at Whitby GO Station during the morning rush but got off at Rouge Hill station. Can I bring my bike then?

No. During the morning rush, if you are travelling on a train towards Union Station, you cannot bring your bicycle on any part of the trip. The same applies if you are on a train that leaves Union Station during the afternoon rush, regardless of where you get on.

Can I bring a folding bicycle onto a GO Train?

Folding bicycles are allowed on all GO Trains, including during peak-period travel times and within Union Station at any time. Cyclists boarding peak-period trains with folded bicycles are asked to follow some simple etiquette tips to ensure this pilot project is a success.

Can I bring an electric bicycle onto a GO Train?

Power-assisted electric bicycles (e-bikes) that display a manufacturer’s label and meet federal motor vehicle safety regulations are permitted on GO Trains. Electric bicycles are subject to the same rules as conventional bicycles, as outlined above.

Where should I put my bicycle on the train?

Four bicycles fit on each regular GO railcar, two just inside each set of doors. Bicycles are not permitted in doorways next to the washroom. These doorways are indicated with a “no bike” symbol. Bicycles are not allowed on wheelchair-accessible train cars.

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Shelters

You can leave your car at home because we’re installing covered bicycle storage areas to provide better security and protection from the elements. Many stations already have bicycle shelters or lockers. We will have bike shelters at most of our stations by the end of 2009.

To see if your station has a bike rack, visit our Stations and Stops page.

Bicycle Station at Union Station

The City of Toronto’s Bicycle Station at Union Station provides a secure, indoor bicycle facility. It also functions as an information centre where customers can get information on bicycling, walking, and public transit in Toronto. For more information, please visit the City of Toronto’s web page.

Bike security

Although every effort is made to monitor the bicycle parking areas at our stations, complete uninterrupted observation is not possible.

Here are some tips that will help secure your bike:

Buy a good lock! The investment is worth it – even an expensive lock will cost less than replacing your bicycle. Ask your local bicycle store about what makes a good quality lock.
Place your bicycle in the rack so that you can lock both your frame and at least one wheel. Not only will this make your bicycle less vulnerable to theft, it will also keep it more upright and prevent accidental damage. If possible, bring an extra cable lock so you can secure both wheels.
Remove any easily removable parts such as lights, saddle bags or panniers, and anything attached with a quick-release mechanism. If you do have a quick-release on your seat post, consider having it replaced with a bolt that can only be removed by using a wrench, or take your seat with you when you lock up.
Make your bike unique and identifiable with stickers or paint. This will make it less attractive to steal.
Record the serial number of your bicycle and register it with your local police department. The serial number is unique to your bicycle and is typically engraved in the frame, often underneath the bottom bracket where your pedals attach.
Do not leave your bicycle locked overnight at any GO station.

The City of Toronto has installed secure bicycle lockers at these GO stations: Exhibition, Long Branch, and Guildwood. Lockers located at Kennedy Subway, Finch Subway, and Scarborough Civic Centre are also close to GO stations and stops. For more information about the City of Toronto’s bicycle locker program, visit www.toronto.ca/cycling/locker.htm.

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Paths and routes

GO makes it easier for you to explore the Greater Golden Horseshoe by bike.

Whether you’re travelling by train or bus, there are several ways you can bring your bike along.

Travelling by train? You can take your bike onto any off-peak GO Train, or bring a folding bike onto any GO Train.
Travelling by bus? All GO Buses have bike racks that can carry two bicycles at a time, any time of day!

These options are great ways to explore the many bicycle paths and rural areas near GO stations or stops.

Live in Toronto and looking to escape the traffic? Why not head east, west, or north to the gorgeous countryside found in Ontario’s Greenbelt?
Travelling in Toronto? Take a tour along the Waterfront Trail and visit the car-free Toronto Island Park.

Here are some attractive and cyclist-friendly destinations that can be reached using GO Transit.

You can also learn more about combining bicycling and transit travel by visiting the Bikes+Transit.com website.

Waterfront Trail

Ontario’s Waterfront Trail stretches from Niagara to Cornwall, where it connects to the Route Verte bicycle network in Québec. Most GO stations and park & ride lots along the Lakeshore East and West lines are close to Waterfront Trail access points. The Waterfront Trail runs right past Rouge Hill and Exhibition GO Stations. From Ajax GO Station you can connect to the Trans Canada Trail from the southwest corner of the parking lot. Follow this trail and you will get to the Waterfront Trail. (Note: Some parts of the Waterfront Trail are on-road, rather than on separated bike paths so make sure to take a map with you, and follow the traffic rules.)

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Island Park is accessible from the ferry terminal at the foot of Bay Street, 500 m south of Toronto’s Union Station.

Camping opportunities

Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Oakville

This location is less than 5 km away from Bronte GO Station. The day-use and overnight camping areas of this park are separated by the deep Bronte Creek ravine. Bicycle paths and quiet residential streets connect both of these areas with a crossing at Dundas Street. (Note: Bronte Road can be busy, and cyclists must go under the Queen Elizabeth Way Highway to reach the park from the GO station).

Darlington Provincial Park, Bowmanville

Darlington Provincial Park is less than 10 km from the Oshawa GO Station and can be accessed by following the Waterfront Trail. It makes a great destination for a weekend trip.

Confederation Park, Hamilton

Confederation Park is located right on the Waterfront Trail in the City of Hamilton. It offers a waterslide and other family attractions, as well as camping. Confederation Park can be accessed by bike trail from Burlington and Aldershot GO Stations. Access to the park is also available from Hamilton GO Centre, but cyclists are advised that there are no dedicated bicycle trails so travel is mostly on city streets.

Cycling rules of the road

Always check maps to give you an idea how far and long you will be travelling.
Research the road conditions of the area or path where you will be riding.
Wear bright and reflective clothing, especially if you’re planning to do any cycling on the road. Bring lights if you think you might be out after dusk.
Don’t forget to bring water, snacks, a cell phone, and maps.
The Ontario Recreation Map Series provides route information for off-road cycling trails and recommended on-road cycling routes. The Series is developed by AdverMap in partnership with the Cycle Ontario Alliance and the Ontario Trails Council.
If you’re planning a trip that parallels a GO Transit route, such as the Waterfront Trail that goes along the Lakeshore East and Lakeshore West lines, you’ll have many opportunities to jump back onto the GO Train if you get tired, encounter bad weather, or have mechanical problems.

Quick facts

Bicycle access to GO stations has increased by more than 16% over the last two years.
In 2005, there were more than 500 bikes parked at our stations and in 2008 there were well over 950 per day!
Our GO bike by bus brochure highlights key information for cyclists.
Folding bike etiquette tips are available here.