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Your questions, answered:
Heritage Rail Bikes are four-seat, pedal-operated vehicles that travel directly along railroad tracks. There is no steering or balancing required—simply pedal while enjoying the scenery and conversation with your group.Before departure, our team will check you in, review the safety rules, and explain how everything works.
Heritage Rail Bikes currently operates in Connecticut, with more locations coming soon:Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum 55 Bridge Street Willimantic, CT 06226This tour lasts approximately an hour including your walk through the open air railroad museum.
All riders must be at least 8 years old and 54 inches tall to safely reach the pedals and remain securely fastened throughout the ride.Individual riders may not exceed 250 pounds, and the combined weight of all riders on a four-seat rail bike may not exceed 800 pounds.Infants and toddlers are not permitted, including in baby carriers or on an adult’s lap.
No, there are no restrooms available. Please plan accordingly.
The rail bikes cannot carry wheelchairs, and riders must be able to transfer into a seat, remain securely seated with the seatbelt fastened, and meet all rider requirements. Guests who are pregnant or have medical or mobility concerns should consult their healthcare provider before participating and consider the weather, ride duration, and lack of restroom access along the route.Pets cannot be safely secured aboard the rail bikes. Please leave all pets at home.
Yes. Multiple four-seat rail bikes may be reserved for large groups, please check your preferred dates / session availability on our site. Those interested in reserving private outings and corporate events should reach out to us by email at info@heritagerailbikes.comGift cards are available for purchase online during checkout.
Reservations may be canceled or rescheduled up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure time by emailing info@heritagerailbikes.com. Cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance receive a full credit for future use. Credits do not expire and may be applied toward any available future reservation.
For changes requested less than 72 hours before departure, guests may request a late rebooking to an eligible off-peak date for a 20% late rebooking fee. Late rebookings are limited to available Monday or Friday departures and are not permitted when the applicable Monday or Friday falls on a holiday. Reservations changed under the late rebooking policy may not be moved to a Saturday, Sunday, holiday, or other peak timeslot.
Heritage Rail Bikes operates rain or shine. Rain and other ordinary weather conditions do not waive the 72-hour change policy or the late rebooking fee. If Heritage Rail Bikes cancels a tour due to lightning, severe weather, or other conditions we determine to be unsafe, guests will receive a full credit in accordance with our weather policy.
Tours operate rain or shine. However, we may cancel a tour because of lightning, severe weather, or other conditions we determine to be unsafe. If Heritage Rail Bikes cancels your tour, you will receive a full credit proportionate to your original payment amount that can be used any time (there are no blackout dates or expirations when rebooking due to cancellation).
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and secure, closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops, loose sandals, Crocs, and similar footwear are not permitted because they can slip off or become caught in the pedals. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also recommended.
Each rail bike has a holder for one standard-size water bottle per rider. Other food and beverages are not permitted unless medically necessary. Alcohol is strictly prohibited; attempting to bring or consume alcohol will result in forfeiture of your reservation without a refund or credit. Those arriving intoxicated will not be permitted to ride, and will similarly be ineligible for a refund or credit.
Rail bikes do not have baskets or storage compartments, and lockers are not available at the departure location. Bring only a water bottle and small items that fit securely in your pockets. Larger belongings should be left at home or secured out of sight in your locked vehicle. Heritage Rail Bikes is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Tickets may be displayed on a smartphone and do not need to be printed. A completed liability waiver is required for every rider before arrival. The waiver is provided following checkout; a parent or legal guardian must complete it for any rider under 18. The link to complete a waiver can be found here.
Arrival Instructions: Free parking is available at the departure location. Enter parking lot on Bridge st, follow trail next to “the granite group”. Then park at Air Line North Trail Parking, rail bikes will load at the trail head. Do not go to rail museum. Depending on when you arrive, rail bikes and staff may be out with the prior group. Please wait for them at the trailhead.Kindly plan to arrive not more than 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Staff will NOT check you in until the beginning of your tour time. For instance if your scheduled tour begins at 4PM, you should arrive at 3:45, but will not be checked in or assisted until 4PM as the tour staff will be busy with the prior group. We ask your cooperation with this policy to ensure that you do not miss your tour, and that the prior group receives the attention they deserve. We will in turn provide your group with the same attention during your scheduled session window.Allow extra time for traffic and weather, as tours cannot wait for late arrivals. Missed departures are not eligible for a refund or credit.
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