Leaving your bike at a railway station... (Scotland)

[Grendel]

A few days back I left my bike at Ashfield railway station in Glasgow. I came back after about 40 minutes to find a Scotrail chap lurking next to the bike with a pair of bolt cutters.
"Lucky you came back, I was about to remove it" says he.
Why?
It's supposed to go on the cycle rack.
Where does it say that?
Railway byelaws.
There's no signs up. If it said that I'd happily comply.
It's causing an obstruction here.
Sensing a pointless argument I made my excuses and left as they say.

Cyril Smith wearing a rubber ring could have easily passed without going near it.

I emailed First Scotrail and British Transport Police. As yet, no reply.

I did however google railway bye-laws.

In England he may be able to do so, but in Scotland:
Any motor vehicle, bicycle or other conveyance used, left or placed in breach
of this Byelaw in Scotland may be removed by or under the direction of a
constable.

Not by Joe Bloggs with a pair of bolt cutters.
Anyone had any problems with their bike being removed?

Who gets to define "causing an obstruction"?

 

[PaulSB]

This happened to me at Inverness station 3 years ago. I'd ridden from Ullapool in to the teeth of a gale and pouring rain. Chained the bike to the railings about 20 feet from the showers and went off to get clean and dry.

I arrived back to find two railway police officers looking at it and to be told I shouldn't leave luggage unattended (?). My bike should be in the cycle parking area. I replied I didn't know there was one only to be told I should read the signs - there were no signs.

Deciding it best to apologise I did so and went off. I then needed to visit the ticket office. What to do with the bike? Found another cyclist out if sight of the police and asked him to watch it.

Headed off to the ticket office, got halfway across the concourse area and was stopped by the police again who now looked cross. I enjoyed pointing out my new cyclist friend who was attending my luggage!!!

 

[Booyaa]

That does not surprise me knowing what (some) scotrail staff are like.

 

[Twelve Spokes]

I work for the railways and sometimes I think common sense in these sort of situations by rail staff (and others) just isn't used.If there are complaints by the general public,I may look into it but generally I just ignore the misdemeanors.

 

[Brandane]

Glasgow Central can be a bit of a problem, especially if traveling solo with panniers. To be fair, there are signs attached to railings telling you not to chain your bike up, and to use the bike racks adjacent to platform 14. For those who don't know Glasgow Central, platform 14 is at the extreme west side of the station next door to a multi-storey car park and out of sight of the rest of the station. NOT the place I would choose to leave my bike, never mind one loaded with 4 pannier bags!

So, if you want to visit the toilet (and spend 30 pennies!) or buy a sandwich out of the M&S food place; technically speaking (as you can't leave luggage unattended) you have to walk the bike to the other end of the station; remove luggage; lock bike to rack; carry pannier bags to toilet/M&S; do shopping/other business while carrying pannier bags; then return to where your bike might still be locked up. Crazy.

Personally, I take my chances and lock the bike + luggage to a handy pole near the Tie Rack place and leave it for the few minutes I am away (security cable through pannier bag handles).

 

[HLaB]

I don't trust the population and my bike goes into the ticket office with me at stations and I don't use the other facilities untill on the train

 

[Beebo]

Cyril Smith wearing a rubber ring could have easily passed without going near it.

That made me laugh out loud in the office.
But not a sight any of us would ever want to witness.

 

[Booyaa]

I work for the railways and sometimes I think common sense in these sort of situations by rail staff (and others) just isn't used.If there are complaints by the general public,I may look into it but generally I just ignore the misdemeanors.

Fair point, some of the stuff I see rail users do is barmy.

 

[Twelve Spokes]

Fair point, some of the stuff I see rail users do is barmy.

Wasn't having a go,I sympathise.

 

[Booyaa]

Wasn't having a go,I sympathise.

Yeah I know, I didn't want it to come over as I was having a go at the staff, the public are just as bad!

 

[sazzaa]

This has been known to happen in Aberdeen train station too.

 

[Cush]

In Carlisle & Newcastle railway stations I was told I could leave my bike but had to take the panniers and handlebar bag with me as thy might contain a devise!!.

 

[snorri]

My tip....use unmanned staions