2 days ago
Bikes banned on trains across large swathes of Sussex this weekend - here's why
No bikes will be allowed on trains across large swathes of Sussex this weekend.
Southern and Thameslink have announced that the bike ban will be in place on Sunday, June 15, due to the British Heart Foundation's London to Brighton Bike Ride.
The restrictions will apply to all stations in the area between Shoreham, Haywards Heath, and Lewes, including Brighton and Hove.
However, foldable bicycles will still be allowed on trains.
Thameslink posted on their website: "Bikes are usually allowed on our trains at off-peak times on weekdays and at weekends.
"However, when large cycling events are taking place with hundreds or thousands of participants, restrictions may be put in place.
"This is to avoid the walkways and vestibules on trains becoming blocked by the number of bikes."
The bike ride will take place on June 15 (Image: Simon Dack)READ NEXT: 'Winter back home better than summer here' says Aussie cricketer after big win
Thameslink and Southern posted an identical statement in relation to the bike ban on Sunday, writing: "All day on June 15, customers travelling with non-folding bikes cannot board trains at any station in the Brighton area.
"The restrictions apply to all stations within a zone from Shoreham-by-Sea in the west, Haywards Heath in the north, and Lewes in the east.
"Additionally, from the start of service until 10am, non-folding bikes will not be allowed on trains for journeys to Clapham Junction.
"These restrictions are for safety reasons, and to prevent overcrowding, due to the significant number of bikes taking part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride."
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The BHF London to Brighton Bike Ride will see around 14,000 riders taking part.
The 54-mile annual ride, which has raised around £50 million for heart and circulatory disease research since 1976, starts at Clapham Common and finishes on the Brighton seafront.
Over the years, the ride has seen participation from more than 700,000 cyclists, including notable figures like Pippa Middleton and David Seaman.
