éric 🚲 🇪🇺 
So, yesterday I had the pleasure (?) of using the Southern Rail service on the Three Bridges to London Victoria line. I had my full sized bike with me. On previous occasions, the bike carriage was indicated by a bicycle logo near the door, next to a wheelchair logo. On yesterday's train, the bicycle logo had been removed.
Anyway, I got on the train and went to tie up my bike only to find that there were no straps. Everything else was the same as it used to be. So I had to stand next to my bike so it wouldn't get flung around on some of the curves (or track changes).
I asked the conductor and was told that they removed the straps due to a "government directive". He didn't look like he was in the mood to be questioned by me, just a passenger (oops, sorry: a customer) so I didn't probe further. If anybody knows what government directive this might be, please let me know (before I write to my MP).
I am concerned that this is the first step towards not allowing full sized bikes at all on their services.
PS - Thameslink, on the other hand, provide an excellent service including carrying bikes and, luckily, this is the service I use more often.
Higgs
AutisticMumTo3
Andrea Clayton Vail
Ashley Price