Leave Your Car At Home

Starting in Fall 2009, 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.

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 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 download our GO Bike by Bus brochure.

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 travelling 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.

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.

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 section.

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.

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 http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/locker.htm.

GO makes it easier for you to explore the Greater Golden Horseshoe by bike. You can learn more about combining bicycling and transit travel by visiting the Bikes+Transit.com website.

• 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.