Bikes on trains during strike

[Matthames]

I have a slight problem thanks to the RMT deciding to go on strike. I had planned to go touring during the Easter weekend and travel back by train on Tuesday 6th. Now there will be severe disruption to the rail network, I am wondering about how easy would it be to take the bike on the skeleton services that would be running.

If it all goes to pot I have a 160 mile bike ride, which would probably take me about 2 or 3 days. At least I would have my kit with me

 

[shirokazan]

They said on the BBC News that Network Rail were hoping to run a quarter of trains using managers/non-union staff (presumably to man the signals). That means serious overcrowding, even assuming that some lines might have a greater number of trains running.

Hate to be pessimistic but I think you would have to be very lucky to be able to get on a train with a bike. Might be better to adopt your alternative plan and enjoy the extra 3 days of riding.

 

[Crankarm]

You'll be fine as everyone will just go by car instead.

These train people who are striking should all be sacked. There are plenty who would love their cushy jobs .

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

If it were me I'd adopt the alternative too.

Terrible luck to be at that time though.

It would save the hassle of not being allowed on, and the whole uncertainty of it all (I hate uncertainty on trips, trips are something I am obsessed with dertails and am extremely uncomfortable if anything is left to chance, almost to autistic levels) and you could be happy knowing that you weren't riding a scab train...

 

[Bandini]

I have a slight problem thanks to the RMT deciding to go on strike. I had planned to go touring during the Easter weekend and travel back by train on Tuesday 6th. Now there will be severe disruption to the rail network

Oh no! The thoughtless pigs! Ruining your holiday to try to safeguard their jobs and working conditions.

Change your plans.

 

[John the Monkey]

Oh no! The thoughtless pigs! Ruining your holiday to try to safeguard their jobs and working conditions.

Yep, but that sort of discussion is better off in P&L where folk can call each other Trotskyites and captitalist running dogs without frightening the horses, what?

 

[rich p]

Yep, but that sort of discussion is better off in P&L where folk can call each other Trotskyites and captitalist running dogs without frightening the horses, what?

Quite so!!
We only squabble about tents and weight weenie issues on T&E

I'm not sure what your plan was, Matt, but could you not get the train out a suitable distance before the strike and then cycle home over whatever time you have avavilable.

 

[GrahamG]

I'm the same - due to arrive back on Eurostar in the middle of the strike with two friends and all with bike bags. I've booked cheap advance coach tickets just in case and if there's a problem with carrying the bike bags the missus will pick us up with the bike rack on the back.

 

[Matthames]

I have just looked at the times of the strike. They will only be on strike between 6-10 am and 6-8pm, basically causing massive disruption to the peak trains. This might mean I will be able to use off peak services

 

[GrahamG]

Hmmm, might be OK then, fingers crossed.

 

[Kirstie]

We are due to travel back from the highlands on the 9th as we are touring up there for a week. We'll be able to get there OK, just getting back will be a problem. Nice problem to have!

We'll just see how it goes and hopefully be back sometime over that weekend.

 

[GrahamG]

I presume that if you have to come back the following day that any advance single tickets etc. would be honoured, especially when you express your support

 

[Soltydog]

I have just looked at the times of the strike. They will only be on strike between 6-10 am and 6-8pm, basically causing massive disruption to the peak trains. This might mean I will be able to use off peak services

The off peak trains will be seriously affected too. Train crews will not be in right places to run all services between 10am - 6pm & i suspect most TOCs won't have a decent contingency plan & re diagram trains & staff properly

 

[Turdus philomelos]

This link will keep you up to date on services during the strike.
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/2010/dispute.html