Photo/Illutration A sample image of cyclists waiting for the Cycle Train service on the JR Sanin Line (Provided by the Tottori prefectural government)

TOTTORI--Cyclists can now board trains on the JR Sanin Line with their unbagged and unfolded bicycles for journeys between Tottori and Yonago stations in the prefecture.

The first regularly scheduled Cycle Train service on the line is a joint effort by the prefectural government and West Japan Railway Co. (JR West).

The section runs alongside the Tottori Uminami Road, a prefecture-designated 150-kilometer-long cycling route hugging the Sea of Japan coast between Iwami and Sakaiminato.

The Cycle Train runs on weekends and holidays until Dec. 8, with some exceptions.

The outbound service leaves Tottori Station at 8:05 a.m., while the inbound service departs from Yonago Station at 3:59 p.m. to make a round trip each day.

The Cycle Train consists of three cars, each of which can carry one bike.

Cyclists can board the train only at Tottori, Matsuzaki, Mikuriya and Yonago stations, where safety belts are provided so users can secure their bicycles.

For safety reasons, cyclist passengers cannot get off the train at Higashiyamakoen, Kurayoshi and Tottori Daigaku-mae stations.

Boarding with a bicycle incurs an additional fee of 500 yen ($3.30).

The prefectural government is still discussing whether to operate the Cycle Train throughout the year and increase the number of services.

For more information, visit the official website at (https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/uminami/cycletrain/).