Cyclists often face problems on the trains

Three rail companies have introduced new restrictions for cyclists travelling on their trains.

South West Trains, Thameslink and Wessex are bringing in new measures to limit the use of cycles on board their services.

Edward Funnell, from the Association of Train Operating Companies, said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the measures were necessary "to balance the needs of cyclists with those of all our other passengers".

But Roger Geffen, from national cyclists organisation CTC, said that use of cycles alongside trains should be "facilitated and enhanced" rather than discouraged.

The CTC said the measures, which include lengthening the time during the day that cycles are banned from trains and extending the area this applies to, have been put in place too quickly.

"There wasn't any consultation with users," said David Holliday, a campaign officer for the organisation, which was founded in 1878 and is Britain's oldest transport lobby group.

"We simply want to talk to the rail operators. They need to realise that the cyclist is a very valuable market."

Public transport operators have an important role to play by facilitating cycling as part of a longer journey SRA consultation document

He proposed bicycle parking facilities at stations, together with a 'common sense' policy. Currently many trains are restricted in the number of bicycles they can carry, regardless of whether they are full or empty.

The Strategic Rail Authority has recently published a 'Cycling Policy' consultation document that aims to set out the train networks' policies towards cyclists for the future.

It states: "The passenger's total journey experience should be as integrated and seamless as possible.

"The government has said that public transport operators have an important role to play by facilitating cycling as part of a longer journey."

However, the SRA cannot force the train companies to accept the results of such a consultation, though it actively encourages them to do so.

But Mr Funnell pointed out that there are still options for cyclists.

"Train operating companies do welcome cycles on their trains. But for other passengers, cycles can actually be an inconvenience during the rush hour," he said.

"Remember, you can take a folding bicycle on any train, any time, anywhere."