CYCLISTS have called for action to clarify the policy on carrying bikes on trains after what they call "another fiasco" on the Settle to Carlisle railway.

Around a dozen cyclists were not allowed to get on a Saturday train at Settle station by the train guard, who cited "health and safety" concerns.

Most of the cyclists were in one group, and wanted to travel one stop down the line to Horton-in-Ribblesdale for the famous Three Peaks cyclo-cross event - only eight minutes by rail.

One of the group was cyclist and Settle resident Kevin Harrison, who said: "There were about 30 people getting on the train in an orderly and considerate fashion when the guard started running up and down the train ordering the cyclists to get off.

"We then had the ludicrous situation where the guard is getting cyclists off at one end of the carriages, while other cyclists are getting on at the other. It was chaotic and farcical.

"Then she was scuttling down the other end and the same thing was happening. She was saying it was for health and safety reasons, though it is difficult to see what those could have been.

"The whole episode gives a very negative impression of the line.

"If the Settle to Carlisle line is to survive then it needs to care for, assist and cater for all passengers. Apart from anything else you would have thought the rail company would want to maximise revenue. As it was there were some disgruntled cyclists who had just wanted to be at one of the cycling calendar's most prestigious events."

Mr Harrison, of Ingfield Crescent, said that his group were local cyclists, who were to some extent used to dealing with the rail regulations. But they needed to be clarified, especially in what was a popular area for tourists.

"There seems to be a lack of common sense in the application of the rules," he said. "This needs to change as a matter of urgency."

A spokeswoman for train operators Northern Rail said: “We welcome cyclists on board our services and would advise when groups are travelling together, to check the details of our bike policy on our website, northernrail.org, before they travel.”

“Our trains can accommodate two bicycles and space is allocated on a first come, first served basis. Our conductors take the responsibility for the safety of their train as well as everyone on board and their decision is final.”