It was Cycling UK wot won it! Eurostar in U-turn
In a resounding victory for Cycling UK and our supporters, Eurostar's Head of EU Public Affairs Pierre Delalande emailed us at 6pm today (Friday 13 November) to say: "You will be pleased to know that we are not intending to go ahead with the requirement for all bikes to be carried in boxes and will accept fully-mounted bikes."
Eurostar proposed to make cyclists dismantle and box up their bikes to travel from Sunday 1 November - a plan which sparked a public outcry across Europe.
More than 9,500 people signed up to the ‘Zero Stars for Eurostar’ campaign spearheaded by Cycling UK and the ECF (European Cyclists’ Federation).
You will be pleased to know that we are not intending to go ahead with the requirement for all bikes to be carried in boxes and will accept fully-mounted bikes."
Pierre Delalande, Eurostar
Cycling UK galvanised support from leading politicians on both sides of the Channel. The UK’s All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group criticised the move as did the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson MP, and the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo.
London's Cycling Commissioner Andrew Gilligan and Cycling UK's Head of Communications and Campaigns David Murray discussed the issue in a special meeting with Mary Walsh, Eurostar's Director of Communications, at City Hall three days ago.
Now, in a victory for common sense, the high-speed train provider has decided to make a welcome U-turn.
Cycling UK Chief Executive Paul Tuohy said: "It's fantastic news that the views of so many of our members and other cyclists across Europe have been listened to. This proves how a successful, well-run campaign can be a massive force for good and make things happen.
"We at Cycling UK would like to thank everyone who supported our online action, as well as other cycling bodies across Europe, the APPCG, and the Mayors of London and Paris."
