Frequently Asked Questions
How many bikes do I need?
Book 1 double bike for every 2 people in your party.
If you have questions about the number of bikes to book or you need your reservation changed, please call us at 315 279-4330.
What’s the cost and what is included in my purchase of a ticket?
$88 for 2 riders. An $88 ticket rents a two person double bike which holds up to two riders. In addition, there is a 5% reservation fee plus NYS Sales Tax.
Book 1 bike for every 2 people in your party.
What if our party has an odd number of people?
Each bike can hold 1 or 2 riders. If you have a single rider in your party, that person can easily ride a double bike alone OR they may rent the single seat on the Guide’s Bike for half price if that seat is available on your ride. Please note there is only one single seat with the Guide on every trip.
Do guests ride the route unaccompanied or with a Guide?
Every tour is lead by a trained Guide to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all guests.
What should we expect when we arrive?
You will be greeted and checked in by a staff member. You will be invited up to select a bike at your departure time. A staff member will adjust your seat. Your Guide will give a short safety talk. Then, your trip will depart. Once the trip is safely underway, your Guide will provide a history narrative about the area as you roll. The Guide will reverse the bikes for all guests at the Turn-Around point and you can ride back at your leisure.
How many people can fit on one rail bike?
There are 2 seats per rail bike so 2 riders on each bike.
Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit. We have had riders from newborns to age 95.
Is there a weight limit per seat / per bike?
There is no weight limit provided the rider is comfortable on the seat and healthy enough to ride.
Can 1 person pedal for 2 people?
Yes, provided the person pedaling is relatively fit. The ride is a mostly flat 5 mile out-and-back course. Our bikes are smooth, quiet and easy to pedal. There is a slight elevation on the return trip. If you are concerned, consider booking the solo seat with the Guide for the person in your party who wishes to ride along and not pedal — we do it all the time!
Can you accommodate riders with disabilities?
To date, we have been able to accommodate every disabled rider that has come to the rails. We use care and ingenuity to make it work for every single rider. It helps our team when a party calls ahead to share any information that will assist us in assisting you or a member of your party. So if you can call ahead, please do.
What about babies, toddlers and children?
Babies can ride along with an adult in a front facing carrier like a “Baby Bjorn” or on the seat beside an adult in their car seat harnessed to the rail bike seat. Toddlers and small children can ride in their car seat or booster seat harnessed to the rail bike seat. Once a child can sit on a seat and hold their head up, they can sit on a seat next to an adult. In all cases, we will provide a 5-point harness for the child’s safety. For everyone’s safety, a child cannot sit on an adult’s lap without a forward facing child carrier - no exceptions.
Do I need to bring my own car seat for my child, or do you provide one?
For your child’s safety in regards to seat size and cleanliness, we ask that you provide your own car seat or booster seat. We will provide a 5-point harness and we will attach your child’s car seat to the rail bike for you.
Can I bring my pet?
We will preface this by saying, “We are big animal lovers here!” No one loves furry friends more than we do. Unfortunately, the answer is “No” because we cannot 100% guarantee your pet’s safety from falling off a bike and being injured or inadvertently getting away and getting lost in a corn field. Please don’t beg. The answer is still, “no”.
Can I bring my possessions with me on a rail bike?
Yes, each rider is provided with a personal bag, phone lanyard, large basket and a water bottle rack for their personal items. Baskets are big enough for coats, bags, umbrellas, backpacks or a small cooler. Please keep in mind we are not responsible for the loss or damage of your personal items if you bring them aboard.
Can I bring food & drink on the bikes?
You are welcome to bring drinks and snacks. Alcohol is not allowed on the tours. Also, please do not discard rubbish along the route. Trash barrels are available at the Turn-Around point and the Welcome Center.
Where can I find updates on Finger Lakes Rail Riders?
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Yelp and Google. We welcome guests to post their photos of the tour with us to share on our website and social media.
Are there weather delays or required weather riding conditions?
We ride rain or shine. We can’t control Mother Nature, but we promise our guests will NEVER lose their money. Finger Lakes Rail Riders will work with guests to reschedule rides, work around weather delays, and ensure the best experience for your ride. Should there be severe weather, we will monitor the weather radar and wait until it passes or reschedule you to a later time or day. In the event of extreme weather conditions (and, yes, it has happened), we will work to accommodate each party case-by-case to find a satisfactory solution.
Are masks required?
New York State is currently not mandating masks. It is up to each guest if they wish to wear a mask when congregating with other customers while in the stations. Once you leave the station, we will be “naturally socially distanced” and you may wish to remove your mask. We will update this policy if NY state’s policy changes.
Are there bathrooms nearby?
There are bathroom facilities at the Welcome Center and the Turn-Around point. Each end of the rails has handicapped accessible bathrooms.
What if I’m running late for my reservation?
Tours leave promptly to allow riders a comfortable, unrushed experience. Guests must be checked in by the ride departure time. Once the formal boarding process has started, no late arrivals will be allowed to check in or board. No exceptions. We will gladly reschedule when guests provide notification and we will reschedule your party on a mutually convenient tour as space allows. Again, guests will NEVER lose their Trip Fee portion of your ticket as long as communication with the Finger Lakes Rail Riders team takes place. The Booking Fee portion cannot refunded.
Can I reschedule?
Yes. We ask for 48 hour notice to reschedule your tour. You must call the office to cancel or rebook your reservation. If you are unsure when you wish to reschedule, you will be issued a gift code for the amount of your Trip Fee only (the Booking Fee portion will not be included) via email. This gift code can be used on any future date or given away as a gift. For late arrivals, we will reschedule you to a later time or day.
Can I cancel?
Cancellations for a refund of the Trip Fee require a 48 hour notice. The Booking Fee portion of your reservation cannot be refunded. Within 48 hours, you may rebook your tour or be issued a gift code via email for the amount of your Trip Fee. The Booking Fee portion of your reservation will not be included. This gift code can be used on a future date or be given away as a gift.
What is your refund policy? (Please note that our refund policy has changed for the 2023 season.)
Please give at least 48 hours notice to receive a refund for your Trip Fee for cancellations. The Booking Fee portion of your reservation cannot be refunded. After those 48 hours, you are welcome to rebook your tour. You must call the office to cancel or rebook your reservation. If you are not able to rebook your tour, you will be issued a gift code for your Trip Fee via email. The Booking Fee portion of your reservation will be excluded. The gift code can be used on a future date or be given away as a gift.
What if a bike breaks?
If a bike breaks due to normal wear and tear, we will do everything we can to compensate you for the inconvenience. If a bike breaks due to misuse or abuse, we may ask for repair reimbursement. Any such event will be handled on a case-by-case basis.