Flashpoint California. Last week. Tensions continue to rise as the railway system fails to cope with the volume of commuters seeking to combine rail with cycle. Cyclists are left on the platform with their bikes as uncrowded trains pull out. They’re getting increasingly aggressive about claiming an officially sanctioned spot on the train. This guy sees an empty slot for his bike and takes it. The conductor tells him to leave the train. He ignores the conductor and takes a seat. This is what happens at the next station…
There’s already a website for this incident of course… here. And here I was complaining about the poor facilities on our ferries… at least we don’t get arrested – well not yet.
To be judge:
The rule for 16 bikes max. is presumably based on the conclusion that there are 16 slots for bikes and this is the only safe and authorised way for bikes to travel. I think the conductor is unreasonable in denying a bike which can travel in the safe and approved manner to do so. If the conductor is concerned about conforming to the 16 bike maximum he should be passing judgment upon the bike traveling not in a rack.
However the cyclist is not arrested for putting his bike on the train, but for failing to be a submissive citizen and follow orders. Clearly the problem has been escalating for I can’t imagine he’d be so determined to make this stand just on the basis of this one incident. He’s made his point and hopefully the publicity will contribute toward solving the problem. The trauma of being arrested is punishment enough for his defiance.
No penalty. No record. Case Dismissed.
