Fold at the Barrier

[Bromptonaut]

Southeastern are the latest train operator to adopt a policy requiring folding bikes to be folded at tha ticket barrier http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/your-journey/bicycle-policy/

Now personally, even on a Brompton, that deters me form using the bike. It also turns somebody wheeling a bike into a mobile barrier block. Never mind leaving then without a free hand on stairs or slippery platforms. Other bikes need to be carried like a battering ram!

Lonodn Midland tried the same thing in 2008 and it was seen off my the presentation of rarional argument. Turned out policy was adopted at behest of user group at MK a few members of which had a bee in their bonnet.

Anyone experiencing this in action?

 

[clarion]

I encountered this at London Bridge (Southern) a year or so back, but not to access the platforms. Rather to transfer between the two sides of the station! I haven't had any bother more recently with wheeling through the wide unmanned barriers.

 

[Lurker]

Can't imagine how this meets train operating companies' legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010 since many people (most women) aren't able to carry a Brompton (or any other bicycle) more than several metres.

 

[davefb]

Can't imagine how this meets train operating companies' legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010 since many people (most women) aren't able to carry a Brompton (or any other bicycle) more than several metres.

I'm sure a really helpful railway station services operation operative will be on hand to help...

 

[fimm]

I'm female and can carry my folded Brompton up three flights of stairs, thank you.
However if I met this sort of policy (which so far does not appear to have reached Scotland) I'd be tempted to keep quiet about this and get a luggage trolley to put the folded bike on (if I was feeling obstreporous and not in too much of a rush); the trolley being larger and more awkward than the unfolded bike.