For those who take bikes on trains...

[anonymous-user]

[redacted]

[Kermit power]

What time are you traveling? I assume you're outside the peak "no bikes" period?

[Kermit power]

I suspect the argument, if you're on a fairly busy train, which I assume you are if you're stuffed into a gangway, is why should 2 paying passengers give up their seats for a bike you've not paid extra for?

It's a pity guards' vans disappeared.

[bakerstreet]

I actually thought the folding seats area was actually for children buggies and similar and not for bicycles.

I have never seen a bike in that area. Most of the time, I see people using the area where the train doors are and and propping the bike up there.

It kinds works, but some people can't prop a bike up properly and they can fall on someone. In one instance that someone was me and the chain ring got oil over my trousers! Thankfully I know how to get it out, but I'm sure other people would be quite annoyed.

[Kermit power]

bakerstreet said:

I actually thought the folding seats area was actually for children buggies and similar and not for bicycles.

I have never seen a bike in that area. Most of the time, I see people using the area where the train doors are and and propping the bike up there.

It kinds works, but some people can't prop a bike up properly and they can fall on someone. In one instance that someone was me and the chain ring got oil over my trousers! Thankfully I know how to get it out, but I'm sure other people would be quite annoyed.

I'm sure it depends on the model of train, but a lot of the SWT commuter trains that run out of Waterloo have two wheel slots in that area with a sign specifically telling you which way in to fit bikes.

[hman]

The only time I have ever taken a bike on the train I got loads of grief on the outbound train on the way home from London.

General public dont seem to know its allowed and act like "does not compute- error, error" then spear themselves on the handle bars LOL!

I;d taken the bikes in on my birthday for a little ride around the parks and roads of the city, riding around marble arch and hyde park corner on the road was a rush!

MOst of the parks we went to had banned bicycles which was a bit pants, luckily hyde park was ok with it so we had a nice day out, only slightly spoiled by the lemmings on the train.

[prand]

It's not these people's fault really, is it? This is a problem that has got worse recently as people are doing thr right thing and using the bike for a healthy and cheap alternative for part of the journey.

I stopped taking my commuter bike on the train partly for this reason. I used to just hold the bike in the entrance area so I could move it out of the way of people, but I could tell it was inconveniencing some. I hated getting in the way of people, and I used to get grief from the train officials (even though in theory, I had a "right" to be there).

At the time, I couldn't justify the expense of buying a fold up bike. But I reckon they are a brilliant idea. They turn into piece of luggage, and you can stash them out of people's way. If I was to be going all the way into London, then travelling beyond, I'd definintley have one. Not the fold in half mountain bikes though, they still take up a lot of space.

[sjg]

Do you actually ask people to move?

[Rob_T]

a polite word with the people concerned could lower your blood pressure. something along the lines:

'i'm very sorry to disturb you / trouble you, but do you mind if ....' etc etc.

most people would not object. you leaning your bikes right up against them probably does you and other cyclists no favours whatsoever.

[walm]

As the thread shows most people are totally ignorant of the rules.
That spot is very well designed for bikes with even a strap to stop them falling over, IIRC.

If there are LOADS of spare seats nearby - just ask!

"I am really sorry but that space is specifically designed for bikes.
My bike will be totally in the way if I can't use that spot, you know, with the straps and the picture of a bike.
Would you mind moving over there? Can I carry your luggage for you?
Oh you don't have luggage - just you. You don't want to stand up and sit down again? You would rather my bike fell on people?
Can I warm your future seat for you - is it that?
Oh you want to be sat right next to the incredibly smelly toilet.
Fair enough.
Or is it chronic laziness? Can I carry YOU?"
etc...

[Risotto]

Are there any signs to make people aware the area is designed for bikes? If people don't know that's what it's for, you can't really blame them for not getting out of the way.

[Robb F]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

You could open your mouth and ask them to move?

[ambuletz]

If someone has used up the area where I can place my bike then I just prop it up by the doors where there is space. It's not a problem for me, I don't really care much. I don't think its really worth whinging about like some kind of entitlement and having a sing and dance about it. If I can't sit down with my bike next to me then I'll stand with my bike next to me, its not a big deal. I'm not going to tell someone to fk off out their seat and sit somewhere else unless it's maybe a really long journey AND there is plenty of space for them to sit elsewhere.

[MattDell]

sjg said:

Do you actually ask people to move?

I was wondering the same. Sounds like you're just being passive aggressive; people aren't mind readers.

[80sMatchbox]

Robb F said:

You could open your mouth and ask them to move?

What? Are crazy or something?

[anonymous-user]

I used to regularly commute into London with a bike. Sure there are bike places, but generally the trains were so rammed it was a case of get in where you can. Its fine to politely ask someone to move, but it does get a bit tiresome every day. Just not worth the effort & potential arguement which often follows, with stroppy fellow commuters who are grateful to have found a spot.
I eliminated the aggro by buying a Brompton Folder, never looked back after that.

[Red 4]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

This, I suspect, is the problem. Arrogance, contempt, nonchalance and blissful, simple stupidity - on behalf of the other commuters, op - not you.

[Disastrous]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Seriously? How can you be so afraid of other people?

I'm constantly saddened at how unwilling people are to simply communicate with each other to resolve a situation.

I'd not particularly notice if I sat in a bike space, probably, but would more than happily move if asked. Try it! This is really not a situation where you need another adult to act on your behalf.

[Kermit power]

Red 4 said:

anonymous said:

[redacted]

This, I suspect, is the problem. Arrogance, contempt, nonchalance and blissful, simple stupidity - on behalf of the other commuters, op - not you.

I disagree. I don't see bikes on trains all that often, but when I do, the vast majority of cyclists just tend to stand with their bikes by the doors, regardless of whether there is someone sitting by the bike slots our not.

I suspect that if Diz were to actually ask people if they'd mind moving that whilst he might find a small minority of pricks, it just wouldn't have registered with the majority, as they're just used to seeing cyclists standing by the doors.

[anonymous-user]

Robb F said:

You could open your mouth and ask them to move?

Excuse me do you mind getting off your seat so I can put my bike there? What answer do you think you would get