Southeastern Railways has reviewed its decision to ban all bikes on its complete
timetable of services during the UK leg of the Tour de France from 6th
8th July.
Following negotiations with CTC the UK's national cyclists organisation,
Southeastern will now carry folders or bikes which can be dismantled and wrapped
up in a compact bike bag.
Cyclists wishing to take their bikes onboard Southeastern services on Sunday
8th July will have the opportunity to buy a heavy gauge polythene bag for £2.50
from a CTC stand at London Bridge railway station. Help will be available to
dismantle and pack the bikes.
Over 1 million people are expected to line the streets to watch the Tour as
it makes its way through London and Kent, but the announcement of a cycle ban
by Southeastern came as a shock for many planning to travel out by train and
cycle to a vantage point, and left disappointed cyclists with a problem for
this special day-out.
CTC public transport campaigner Dave Holladay said: 'The ban as it stood presented
a huge barrier to cyclists keen to take up the special rail travel deal and
avoid adding more car trips to the many heading for Kent to see Stage 1 flying
down the Medway and over the North Downs, and it ran completely counter to the
spirit of The Tour.'
The arrangements negotiated with Southeastern represent a success for CTC in
working with a train operator who was prepared to talk about solutions. We have
a long way to go and continue to campaign for the full range of opportunities
to take cycles on trains for cyclists whenever they want to extend their choice
of rides and destinations.
More information at www.ctc.org.uk/tourdefrance
Marz
