Southern and Gatwick Express Cycle Policy: problems for cyclists

[Becky]

I've written to Southern Railway objecting to the new cycle policy being implemented at Brighton station.

Southern Railway is requiring cyclists to fold and carry folding bikes as part of their new cycle policy: http://www.southernrailway.com/your-journey/cycle-policy/ The new policy says: “Fully folding cycles are welcome on our train at any time and we ask that these are fully folded and carried before going through the gateline”. In the FAQ section it is worse. It says: “A folding cycle is one that has small wheels and folds in more than one place to become a compact item (roughly the size of a briefcase) that can be carried. These should be folded prior to entering the station and carried on to the train.” Folded bikes and luggage can easily weigh 20 Kilos. Carrying it for extended distances will cause strain injuries. Southern have a duty to passengers under the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1992. Their requirement to carry cycles is also discriminatory. The policy has other negative impacts on cycling. Give your views at [e-mail]