Here 's the deal on Amtrak with bicycles, from the Amtrak web site:
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Many Options for Our Bike-Riding Passengers
We offer several options for transporting your bicycle with you on your Amtrak journey. Options include:
* Bicycles stored onboard in bike racks.
* Bicycles checked as baggage in a box or other secure container.
* Bicycles checked as baggage secured by tie-down equipment, not in a box.
* Folding bicycles brought onboard as carry-on baggage.
Bicycles Stored Onboard in Bicycle Racks
On some Amtrak trains you can roll your bike up to the train and secure it in a bike rack, unboxed.
Availability
Availability of this service varies widely from train to train, and station to station. Please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800- 872-7245) to determine whether bicycle rack space is available on a particular train and route.
Please reserve space early
You can reserve space for bicycles when you make a ticket reservation. We charge a fee (generally ranging from $5 to $10 depending on route and distance traveled) for reserving a space in the bike rack. If space is available, you will be issued a ticket for bike rack space. Please be prepared to give this ticket to the conductor when boarding with your bicycle.
If a space on the bicycle rack is unavailable, you may be able to check your bike as carry-on baggage. See below.
Secure your bike
On some trains, bungee cords and locking mechanisms are incorporated into the bicycle rack. You may find it useful to bring your own bungee cords to further secure your bike to the rack.
No unusual bikes allowed
Please note that bicycle racks will not accommodate tandem, recumbent, or other unusual bikes. Such bikes must be transported as checked baggage, in a box. Please see below.
Specially designated spaces only
Bikes may not be transported in the vestibule of any car, except in spaces specially designated on certain limited trains.
Liability
Amtrak disclaims liability for loss of or damage to bicycles carried onboard and stored in bike racks.
Bikes as Checked Baggage
You can bring your bicycle on Amtrak as checked baggage between all cities where checked baggage services are offered. Keep in mind that not all stations or trains have checked baggage service, and that baggage service may not be available every day. For more information, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or your agent.
Tips for successfully packing your bicycle:
* Check your bicycle at the station at least an hour before departure.
* Bicycles usually must be partially disassembled: Loosen and turn the handlebars sideways, and remove the pedals. Both wheels must remain in the forks. Nothing may protrude from the box or make the box bulge. Nothing except the bicycle may be placed in the box.
* Please bring your own tools. It may be helpful to disassemble and reassemble your bike before your trip to avoid any surprises. Some parts, especially pedals, may be especially difficult to remove.
* You may bring your own box or purchase one at the station. Bicycle boxes (new or used) are also usually available for purchase at staffed stations that accept checked baggage. The cost of each box is $10. Call ahead for details and to make sure that boxes are available. Local bicycle shops also may be able to provide you with boxes. After your trip, you may keep your box and use it again if it is in good condition.
* You may also use a container especially designed for transporting bicycles. Such containers must have handles and must be fully closed and latched, with no portion of the bike exposed.
* Attach your name and address to the box.
Tandem bicycles may be checked and require two boxes, telescoped together.
The fee for checking a bike as baggage is $5. This is subject to change without notice.
Bikes as Checked Baggage on Trains with Tie-Down Equipment
Some trains have tie-down equipment in the baggage car or other areas designated for checked baggage. Where such equipment is available, you can check your bike without a box or other container.
This space is limited, and you must reserve it. Typically, there is a reservation charge.
You must accompany your unboxed bike on its journey on the same train. We will not accept unaccompanied bikes.
Bicycles not in containers are more likely to be damaged in transit. Accordingly, we disclaim liability for bikes shipped unboxed.
For assistance, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
Folding Bikes Brought Aboard as Carry-On Baggage
Folding bicycles may be brought aboard certain passenger cars as carry-on baggage. Only true folding bicycles (bicycles specifically designed to fold up into a compact assembly) are acceptable. Generally, these bikes have frame latches allowing the frame to be collapsed, and small wheels. Regular bikes of any size, with or without wheels, are not considered folding bikes, and may not be stored as folding bikes aboard trains.
You must fold up your folding bicycle before boarding the train. You may store the bike only in luggage storage areas at the end of the car (or, in Superliners, on the lower level). You may not store bikes in overhead racks.
Bicycles on Auto Train
We cannot carry automobiles with bicycles loaded on the roof. Please see our Auto Train Vehicle Requirements for details.
Bicycles on Amtrak Express
Regular bicycles, tandem bicycles, and unicycles may be shipped on Amtrak Express. Bikes must be securely packed in a box. Bicycles are generally exempt from Amtrak Express size requirements. More information is available on our Amtrak Express page.
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--on a hunch, I brought up the South Florda Tri-Rail system's web site, and they DO allow bicycles:
http://tri-rail.com/rider_info/bike_permit.htm
They originally required a permit to do this, but discontinued that requirement. Now they are allowed on rail cars with a bicycle decal, but only if space is available. There is a bicycle rack on those cars, and velcro straps to secure them.
