3 days and nearly 400 signatures! Thank you so much everyone for signing and sharing. Please do continue sharing the petition as widely as you can!

I wanted to share a few updates. Southern Rail haven't replied to us directly, but they have spoken to local councillor Sean Fitzsimons, as well as local journalists reporting on the story. (Inside Croydon have covered the petition twice already!)

What Southern say:

The bike parking is located within a staff car park. (Just to be clear - whilst the car park is for staff only, the bike parking within the car park is supposed to be for everyone.)  Southern Rail have said they have issues with non-staff cars using this car park. As well as inconveniencing staff, they are concerned this could be a safety risk. In response, they will be installing security barriers which mean the staff car park (and bike parking) will not be accessible to the public.

What I think about Southern's response:

I appreciate Southern's concerns about non-staff cars using the car park. HOWEVER - their proposed response makes no sense at all. The obvious solution would be to install a car barrier whilst still allowing pedestrian/cycle access to the bike parking.

It also doesn't explain:

1. why they haven't consulted,
2. why the action is being taken at such short notice, or
3. why they haven't bothered to provide alternative facilities for cyclists.

The car park at South Croydon is right next to the railway - so it seems like there are one set of rules for one part of the borough, and different rules elsewhere.

In my personal view, it feels like the security concerns are being used as a convenient excuse for someone to get a new car parking space...

Our asks for Southern

We have written to Southern asking for them to do 3 things:

1. Pause removal of the secure cycle parking facilities
2. Keep the cycle parking facilities open whilst they consult properly with station users
3. Meet with me and other petitioners to discuss why they want to remove the bike parking, and possible alternatives

What we do next

The response to the petition has been amazing - thank you all, I really think this is something we can win.

You can help out by:

1. Share the petition! - on whatsapp, facebook and other social media
2. Write to Southern Rail - https://www.southernrailway.com/help-and-support/contact-us. Be polite, but firm, and mention the "asks" set out above.
3. Write to Cllr Scott Roche calling for him to publicly support out campaign - Scott is the council member responsible for Streets & Environment, which includes cycling. So far he hasn't made any comments to support our campaign or criticise Southern Rail's decision. (Again - please be polite but firm.)
4. Send us pictures of you and your friends by the bike parking, and write about why the bike parking is important to you! - If you are happy for these pictures and comments to be used in the media and on campaign materials, please send them over. You can contact me at chrisgalpinaddiscombe@gmail.com. 

Thanks!

Chris