Eurostar agrees to meet over bike carriage policy, but when?

Eurostar has agreed to a face to face meeting about its new cycle carriage policy, following widespread outrage that customers will have to dismantle and box their bikes to travel.

However, campaigners complain talks between the high speed rail operator, cycling charity CTC and the London Mayor's office, will come too late as new rules come into effect this Sunday (1 November) and no date has yet been set for the meeting.

CTC has led the Europe-wide campaign putting pressure on Eurostar to change the measures, backed by the Mayor of Paris, while more than 9,000 people have now signed a petition calling for a reversal of the new policy, which was first revealed by road.cc in October.

CTC urges cyclists to write to Eurostar over bike policy change revealed by road.cc

David Murray, CTC’s Head of Communications and Campaigns, said: “While we are pleased Eurostar have agreed to a meeting, no date has been set so clearly they have no intention of delaying the introduction of this backward policy – despite the outcry from the public and leading politicians on both sides of the Channel.

"With all due respect, we are also disappointed that Eurostar say they will be represented at any meeting by their Head of Public Affairs, Pierre Delalande, rather than the company’s CEO Nicolas Petrovic."

Eurostar's new bike carrying policy gets complicated

He adds the measures will add two-and-a-half hours on to a journey to Paris, allowing the company to dismantle the bike, box it up and allow customs officers to check it over at its destination.

“And all for the princely sum of £30 – considering that Eurostar tickets start at £59, this does seem rather expensive," he said.