Bin the bike ban!

Todays media: “State Government’s ban descends into a farce”

8 January, 2008 – 8:52 pm

Herald Sun: Connex and V/Line rail staff defy bicycle peak hour ban

Rail staff are refusing to force commuters to get their bikes off peak hour trains as the State Government’s ban descends into a farce. Industry sources yesterday said that the ban was unpopular and unworkable.

ABC Online: Rural cyclists criticise bike ban

Regional Victorian cyclists are calling for country train services to be excluded from a new bicycle ban. Bikes are not allowed on metropolitan peak hour trains and will be banned on regional V/Line services from February.

Former Bendigo councillor Laurie Whelan rides to work every day and often takes his bike to Melbourne on the train. He says the new velocity regional trains have room for bikes and the Victorian Government’s decision does not make sense. “It’s a step backwards in the sense that people are using that combination of cycling and public transport because you can get around a lot quicker and easier when you use that combination,” he said.