ping: alicat -Cross City Line cycle carriage

[User]

 

[alicat]

Thanks for that, User. I'll raise it with London Midland too when I've got the issue of where I can park my bike at Lichfield Station sorted.

 

[tdr1nka]

The same signs have started to go missing from Southern Trains too, must look into that. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[domtyler]

What will it take for you guys to get the message?

 

[tdr1nka]

What will it take for you guys to get the message?

Either the Govt. or the Rail Companies to actually say;
'We've had a think about it and although the original idea sounded wonderful when selling our proposals we have since decided against 'Intergrated Transport' as it's a bit naff, sorry we couldn't be a*sed to let you know until the most inconvenient moment.'

 

[domtyler]

 

[domd1979]

Except, you already know the answer, because you've stated it in your previous posting on what the cycling officer at Birmingham told you - which as I understand it is exactly right: LM are acting on DfT advice. So what's the point in heckling LM to tell you the same? It doesn't actually help to move things forward does it.

Well I got my reply from LM today-

Thank you for your e-mail.

As part of the re-branding to the London Midland livery, the decision was
made to remove the pushchair and cycle signs from the door.

The carriages are set out in the same way as before. The wheelchair sign
also remains to inform customers where the additional spaces can be located.

I hope this answers your query. If however you do have any further
questions, please do not hesitate to contact me direct.

Yours sincerely,


Talk about stating the obvious. So I've responded-

Emma

Thank you for your response. I'm grateful for you taking the time to reply, however it does not satisfactorily address my query.

I would like to know the reason for the removal of the cycling sign, and whether this move is part of any move towards restricting the carriage of cycles on the Cross City Line.

I look forward to your reply.

Thanks

 

[domd1979]

No heckling about it Dom. Raising the issue with all sides is the right thing to do, and shows the groups that cyslits are taking an interest in the issue.

I've no problem with raising the issue, but it seems a waste of everyone's time including your own to start with an email asking a question you knew the answer to. You could have started with what you know and just asked them straight out what their response to the DfT's instruction has been, and if they're challenging it.

The cycling officer said it was something to do with DfT advice. I have no idea what the DfT advice is. Do you?

Yes thanks, I do.

Now do we just leave it at that, or do we continue the discussion and politely suggest alternatives (heckling as you call it)?

Its probably DfT Rail who need focusing on, but I wish anyone the best of luck dealing with them.

Does anyone know what the DfT advice is on signage for cycling spaces?

The lady from LM told you in her email - that DfT have advised to only use the wheelchair logo. If you fancy contacting DfT for more detail, good a starting point as any is : railwaysforall@dft.gsi.gov.uk

 

[BentMikey]

I'm with you on this one Mr P.

 

[domd1979]

So what's going on then? Has anyone ever seen a cyclist deny a wheelchair user a place on a train? Is there a problem with promoting bike carrying on trains as well as disabled access?

You'll have to ask the DfT, since second hand sources obviously aren't to be relied upon...

 

[domd1979]

LM is the only first-hand source Dom, since it's their stock, and their decision. DfT guidance I was told. That's all.

DfT "guidance" usually amounts to instruction. Might be LM who lease the stock, doesn't necessarily give them the decision making power. Problem is that DfT haven't been consistent in what they've told TOCs - you'll see Arriva Trains Wales units in New Street with bicycle logos on the doors (though maybe that's because the Welsh Assembly are more sensible than the DfT in their approach...)

FWIW, I've been using the Cross City Line regularly since it was re-opened in the 70s. The number of wheelchair users I've come across in that time is far outweighed by the number of pushchair pushers.

Probably because its easier for a wheelchair user to get on a bus than the train, seeing as level boarding is not possible between the train and platform. It must also be nightmaresville getting to the lifts and escaping the platforms at New Street.

And the same goes for cyclists. You'll get more ending up in doorways on the other carriages which, while not a problem for most of us, is I'm sure not what LM have in mind.

We need to remember that not everyone is the same, and some people need big signs in front of them to help them out.

Absolutely agree that not having cycle logos on the doors is bad, and I'm 99.9% certain that the TOCs are more than happy to put logos on because they don't want vestibules clogged up with bikes either.

 

[domd1979]

In fairness to LM, their commitment was there all along, the real issue lay with DfT and still does.... As far as I know the issue with regards to signage is still under discussion.

Well a little update after a long time-

I got off the train this evening and noticed a poster on the platform wall. It explains where the best place on the train is to put bikes and pushchairs. It advises you to use the door with the disabled sign on.

This is good, as it seems to confirm LM's commitment to bikes on trains.

 

[domd1979]

Yep, fair point!

Fair enough, but that's always hard to tell when the contact they give you at LM can only go on the line he/she's been given by someone else, and doesn't know the full extent of the issue, or their discussions with DfT.