As I mentioned in a previous article, I used to commute long distances by combining trains and bicycles, but that suddenly came to an end one day.

If you're not aware, you might make the same mistake.

I'll share the details of the situation and the mistake I made as a memorandum.

My long-distance commute (train + bicycle) suddenly ended

I used to commute long distances by bicycle → train → bicycle, traveling 44 km in a straight line every day.

Fortunately, I had no accidents or punctures and commuted comfortably, but one day, after more than two years of cycling + train commuting, my long-distance bicycle + train commute suddenly ended.

Daily commutes were enjoyable

I generally prepared two hours each way for my commute every day.

Yet, it was still enjoyable.

Work started at 8 AM, so I would wake up at 5 AM.

I was excited by the "extraordinary feeling" of getting on a train early in the morning.

Even though the commute was 44 km in a straight line, it was 2 km to the station. I wasn't sure how far the train traveled, but it was about 10 km from the destination station to the company.

In other words, I cycled 24 km every day round trip.

When I got tired of a route, I would explore different paths, and I made new discoveries every day.

What I was concerned about with train + bicycle commuting

What I was concerned about with train + bicycle commuting was the ticket gate.

Station staff were always at the ticket gate, but they never said anything when I passed through with my bicycle.

I hadn't specifically gotten permission or confirmed it, so I was a little anxious about whether I could bring my bicycle on the train.

That's why, at first, I tried taking my bicycle on the train to work on a day off.

Perhaps a phone call would have settled it quickly, but if they told me "no," I wouldn't be able to use this commuting method, so I couldn't bring myself to call.

After commuting for several months, I gradually started to think it was fine.

I tried to convince myself of that.

At the ticket gate, I would pass through quickly, and sometimes my bicycle would bump into the gate machine.

I didn't like it because my bicycle would get scratched, but the station staff probably didn't like it because the ticket gate machine might break.

When train + bicycle commuting ended

One day, I was called over.

Station staff: "Is that a bicycle in that bag?"

Me: "Yes, it is."

Station staff: "There's a possibility that bicycles might incur an extra fee..."

Ultimately, I was able to ride the train that day without paying an extra fee for my bicycle, but I felt a bit unsettled.

I later re-checked the train company's website, but bicycles were not listed among "items that can be brought on board" nor "items that cannot be brought on board."

However, I didn't want to get into an unnecessary argument, and without confirming with the station staff whether an extra fee would be charged, I stopped commuting by train + bicycle from that day on...

The train itself was fine, but I disliked the thought of being called over by station staff again at any time.

So, the next thing I considered was "express bus + bicycle commuting."

Learning from this (failed?) experience, I inquired via the website in advance.

The express bus allows bicycles if it's not too crowded with passengers.

Now I can confidently load my bicycle.

Commuting by express bus also has some interesting stories, so I'd like to share them on another occasion.

 Related articles: Things to be aware of when taking your bicycle on a train