COMMUTERS who cycle to Colchester stations have been told there may not be space on trains for their bikes.

Greater Anglia is warning people of its cycle policy, particularly those using an intercity train between Colchester and London.

Rather than cyclists taking their bikes on to trains, they must book ahead to reserve a space for their bike.

Only six bikes can be carried on each intercity train, and no full-size bikes are allowed on trains into London during morning peak times. Only folding bikes are allowed.

Ben Knapp said he has been relying on cycling to the station for the past five years.

Ben, who works at ITV in London, said: “The advance booking system involves a lengthy phone call, one which we would all be expected to make twice a day, every day, often to find out we’re not able to be one the six allocated bikes.

“It’s a ridiculous system, coming at a time when environmental travel is supposed to be championed.

“It’s going to cause delays, confusion, and frustration. Most of us cycle commuters are season ticket holders, we pay around £5,000 a year for a service which is plagued by cancellations and delays.

“Now they are attacking the one thing we use to make these costs manageable, our bikes.

“I just don’t think Abellio sees how much this will impact people’s lives.”

Ben, who lives near East Hill, Colchester, cycles to Colchester Station, then cycles the two miles from Liverpool Street to the office in Grays Inn Road.

Greater Anglia’s head of corporate affairs, Jonathan Denby, said the changes are being made because passenger numbers are increasing.

He said: “We welcome cyclists on our services, but do have limited space so we ask passengers respect the policy and when travelling on intercity services to reserve their cycle space in advance.

“We have a clear and long-established policy which is essential for the safe operation of our trains and also for the safe movement of large numbers of people around our trains, stations and platforms.”