mjr wrote:Angstrom wrote:Space for bikes in TGVs not only take up space that could be sold for more travellers when there are cyclists in the train. They also take up space for 80% of the time when cyclists aren't there.
Why aren't the bikes stored in crumple zones like on some UK trains? That space cannot be used safely for passengers.
Maybe they haven't thought about it you should definitely reach out to them telling them you have figured it out.
mjr wrote:Angstrom wrote:We just have to deal with it. We can (and I do also) moan, but it ain't going to chnage quickly.
We have to deal with it, but we shouldn't just do that. We should write to TGV's customer service accounts and let them know we are angry.
I was just being pragmatic. SNCF does what it is asked to do and manages their priorities accordingly, like other businesses. Cyclists represent a tiny part of their business. SNCF prefers to please other stakeholders. Cyclists more happy is icing on the cake for them. I don't like it but that's how it is. I'm not sure we cyclist would be ready to pay for a non subsidized ticket for our bikes, meaning that if the law would force SNCF to add space (which I hope will happen with European legislation under discussion) we'd ask other people to pay for us. It will never happen at large scale.
mjr wrote:Angstrom wrote:Plus with cycling holidays being on the rise, there will never be enough bike space at peak periods so they know whatever they do people will complain.
I bet fewer people complain if there are some bike spaces. What an argument! We cannot satisfy all demand so therefore we will withdraw supply! :-s
That's not what I meant. They know that keeping a profitable TGV network and service cannot be done while catering for the growing cyclist community needs. It's absolutely not scalable. The more popular cycling holidaying gets, the less relevant the TGV offering will be. Other more flexible means will have to be developed (put back into service) like traditional trains where wagons can be added and fitted with appropriate equipment for a much lower cost. Or buses with trailers.
Bike advocacy groups act like they don't understand that. At their own perils. They should negotiate good and more realistic alternatives instead of fighting lost battles. Examples of good fights:
1) Forcing SNCF to schedule Intercités trains on all major routes. The network is there. The equipment is there. It can be adapted to demand variations very easily. It can be done at low cost.
2) Making it easier to pack bikes on normal TGVs: a bag rental system, offering storage for one's bag while traveling. Possibility to ship the bag to another station for those departing/arriving in different places.
3) Convenient bike transportation and temporary storage so one could send the bike in advance and find it at your final destination.
All of these ideas cost much much less than transforming TGV trains to accept a rising number of travelers, for a very seasonal demand, with very little flexibility to adjust to a difficult to predict future demand.
mjr wrote:Angstrom wrote:I know of people travelling with Blablacar with their bikes (car-pooling).
I saw a news item today about a surge in thefts from covoiturage/carpooling parking places. I'm surprised it hadn't happened sooner, as it's a place where most cars won't be touched for hours and most of them seem to be unguarded.
I meant that few people I know use Blablacar car pooling app for travelling and to my surprise, were able to find rides they could go on with their bikes.
The idea is to not take your car therefore not leaving it for long periods in a dedicated parking area.