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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Milo Boyd

Summer cycle trips at risk as Eurostar extends no bike policy due to Brexit

The ban on non-foldable bikes on Eurostar has been extended until the end of the summer.

The rule means everyone with a two-wheel peddle will have to find another way to get it to the Continent.

Eurostar says that even when the ban is lifted, a reduced service will be operated due to "customs rules post-Brexit".

The policy will make cycle trips on mainland Europe that much harder for Brits this summer, with air and road alternatives more expensive and worse for the environment.

"At the moment you can carry a folding bike on board as part of your luggage allowance, but unfortunately we aren’t able to operate the more extensive service via our registered baggage facility," a spokesperson for Eurostar told The Mirror.

Customs issues have stopped cyclists putting their bikes onboard (Getty Images)

"We will be opening it again, and plan to update further in September."

Earlier this year Eurostar had said that it was hoping to allow non-foldable bikes on its train again from the summer, although this ambition seems to have slipped now.

"Due to changes to customs rules post-Brexit, we won't be able to offer a full service at first," Eurostar said of when the bike allowance is reintroduced.

"We'll launch a limited service for fully assembled bikes of disassembled bikes in your own bag on selected trains between Paris and London.

"We're working hard to agree a formal process for registered luggage with the authorities from each country we operate in."

Eurostar recommends that anyone who wants to take their bike to Europe use a courier.

The only peddles that are allowed on the trains are folding and children's bikes, so long as they're 85cm or shorter.

They must also be carried in a protective bag.

Electric scooters and hoverboards are also forbidden on all UK to Europe services.

Eurostar used to allow bikes on its trains, so long as cyclists booked and paid in advance.

The prices varied from £25 to £55, depending on whether the bike was boxed or if the rider was entitled to a Cycle UK discount.

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