OPINION The stories of the people who will be impacted by this


ban are incredibly moving. So far, Cycling UK has collected over 120 of these, from people who’ve told us that electric assistance has made cycling possible for them, allowing them to remain independent, mobile and connected. People have talked about how their e-bike has improved their wellbeing, reduced financial pressures and made them feel less isolated. To demonstrate the strength of feeling in Liverpool, we compiled the stories into a report and rode up to Merseyrail’s offices, with 300 peaceful “Merseyfail” protesters, to deliver that report - but nobody wanted to meet with us. However, as is often the case with campaigning, it’s collective and sustained pressure that pays off. Now the Mayor, Liverpool City Council, the City Region Transport


Committee and various MPs have all called for Merseyrail to review its decision. Several hundred people have complained to Merseyrail, and Cycling UK has ongoing


complaints before the Information Commissioner seeking disclosure of their safety report, and Transport


IT SOMETIMES FEELS AS THOUGH, WHEN


IT COMES TO CYCLING, THE EASY POLICY SOLUTION TO ANY ISSUE IS TO PROPOSE A BAN!


Focus, the industry watchdog. And it’s starting to pay off. We’ve finally managed to get Merseyrail to meet with us. They’ve not agreed to change track yet, and are still saying that from January they will look to enforce this ban, so there’s a huge amount still to do to get them to change their minds. But getting them to the table after they refused to meet us for so long is at least a start. So far, I’ve been talking about Merseyrail and problems getting your e-bike on a


rail network in the North West of England. But this bike ban matters across the UK. As


www.bikebiz.com


November 2026 | 45


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