The group claims the ban preventing bicycles from being taken on peak-hour country trains is illogical.

The group will meet on Monday to discuss possible action.

One member of the group, Louise Cook-Tonkin, teaches at Tylden Primary School, nine kilometres from Kyneton and says riding her bike and catching the train takes 15

minutes off the same journey in a car, with an added environmental benefit.

Grandfather of four Alan Bull takes a similar position regarding the reduced environmental impact of public transport.

"We have got this Earth into a mess, and we have got to do something about it for our offspring," he said.

The group is concerned about the environmental stakes, from the old to the young.

"Global warming isn't going to stop," said Mayer Cook-Tonkin.

"The people in control of the trains should think about global warming," she said.

The group feels those who are attempting to take some responsibility for climate change in using public transport are not being assisted by their service provider.

Ernie Wright, 78, rides 30kilometres every Sunday.

"In my day you could ride to the station, hop on with your bike and get home the same way.

"They should be able to do it today," he said.

Bike riding is more popular than ever with more than 1.4million bicycles sold last year, outselling vehicles for the eighth year in a row.

The action group organiser, Jill Gibson, said it was clear long-term solutions are needed, because cyclists are not going to go away.

"This ban is only highlighting what needs to be addressed; the train system is over crowded," she said.

Ms Gibson said that a ban will not lessen the stress the train network is under.

Project co-ordinator of the Mount Alexander Sustainability Group, Dean Bridgfoot, says public transport providers should think laterally.

"The issues of climate change and the rising cost of petrol means people are only going to use public transport more," he said.

He emphasised that the V/Line service was not the problem, the problem was the denying of the service to cyclists wishing to take their bikes on board.

"We need more of the train services," he said.

"And we need a wholistic approach. It takes real leadership from service providers to deal with climate change," he said.