“Country cyclists win reprieve from railways bike ban”

7 January, 2008 – 6:31 am

Good news! From The Age, 08-01-2008:

CYCLISTS facing a ban on taking bikes on peak-hour regional trains have won a short reprieve from V/Line.[..] [Y]esterday V/Line said it would not enforce the rule until February 1.

The operator might also ask Ms Kosky to reverse the ban, “but ultimately it’s up to the Public Transport Minister to decide,” V/Line spokesman Daniel Moloney said.

The ban became public on New Year’s Eve — the day before the new rules came into place. Many city and regional commuters who take their bikes on trains have been infuriated by the ban, some saying it is an attempt to shift the blame for an inadequate transport system from the State Government onto cyclists.
[…]
The ban on bikes on V/Line services during rush hour comes despite the trains having special bike spaces. The V’Locity trains have space for a small number of bicycles, while its 32 locomotives have a special luggage carriage, with ample room for cycles.

(Article link)

This is good news for a couple of reasons.

  1. No one is denied transport (…just yet).
  2. We can put pressure on both V/Line and Lynne Kosky by writing, emailing, phoning, talking, campaigning and protesting to let them know that this is not acceptable.


“Lynne Kosky – the only Public Transport Minister ever to force people to buy cars?”

  1. 7 Responses to ““Country cyclists win reprieve from railways bike ban””

  2. If you read the extract – ‘Bike Bans on Trains in Victoria 1st January, 2008 – Frequently asked Questions’ that Russell sent to the public transport, this V/Line ‘reprieve’ is because the changes haven’t been sorted out yet!

    http://preview.tinyurl.com/2hkst3

    Sure it’s good to know it’s up to Kosky to decide, but this ‘reprieve’ smacks of spin doctoring. Yes I’m feeling a tad cynical.

    So keep lobbying!

    By ChrisS on Jan 7, 2008

  3. Nice one Hull, now we know they’re talking porkies

    http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23022828-2862,00.html

    By Gary on Jan 7, 2008

  4. Chris, spin-doctoring of course. But if it keeps the issue alive in the media I think we have a better chance of gathering support against it.

    By pfctdayelise on Jan 8, 2008

  5. Bit like the Government kicking a own goal actually, isn’t it? They’re so bad at this in the media we’ll probably gander more public sympathy!

    By ChrisS on Jan 8, 2008

  6. That should of been ‘garner’. Ah, where’s the internal spell checker when you need it.

    By ChrisS on Jan 8, 2008

  7. Chris, I hope so, but we can’t afford to be cocky 🙂

    By pfctdayelise on Jan 8, 2008

  8. Yes. Lets keep the pressure. Many DoI employees actually ride to work themselves and I bet they are appaulled by their employer’s decision to ban bikes on peak hour trains, or buses or trams even! No…this has got to stop. Anyone know of a DoI employee? Can they help the campaign without risking their job? It’s all about attitudes. We have to educate people that the roads and public transport services are for ALL to use and enjoy. Not for just for the few.
    cheers

    By Fernando Olmos on Jan 8, 2008

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