What Do Trains Have To Do With Bikes!?!
https://www.wqad.com/article/entertainment/coming-soon/coming-soon-funding-secured-for-train-service-between-quad-cities-and-chicago/526-c491a567-d131-4181-99d5-7b8e64162d4c
There are a lot of different opinions on passenger rail service. I understand and appreciate each perspective. When they are available though, they can open up a whole new world of opportunities for recreational cyclists.
Too many of us aren’t aware or aren’t taking advantage of Amtrak’s FREE service to haul our bikes as luggage! If you are at all like me, you get tired of riding the same trails, MUP’s and lanes all the time. You like exploring new places and visiting friends, but hauling your bike, finding safe and affordable parking as well as just the hassle of driving, keeps you from doing it more often. My wife and I have been trying the train of late. We could not be more happy. It is simple, quick, comfy and incredibly affordable (we recently visited Chicago for $90 round trip… for the both of us!). The food and drink selections, available on some trips, is excellent.
Imagine being able to board the train in Moline, ride from Union Station to the lake on protected bike lanes and enjoy the entire lake front in an afternoon! Tired of The City? Here are just some of the trails you can ride near Chicago. Remember that most of these are connected to each other by protected bike lanes too. https://www.traillink.com/city/chicago-il-trails/
Of course, there are other destinations along the way and further East. Pam and I plan to ride Missouri’s Katy Trail to The South. It can be accessed right at the train station in Sedalia!
Where would you like to take your bike, once the new train depot is opened in Moline?