'Definitely not ok': Photo on Melbourne train divides the internet
A photo posted online showing a pair of bikes parked in front of unused disable seats on a Melbourne train has sparked a fierce debate over whether or not it is illegal, or at least inappropriate.
The video was posted this weekend on a Facebook group dedicated to shaming able-bodied motorists who park in disabled spots. “Not car related but train disabled seating on Frankston train line just now, two bikes locked in a disabled seating on train,” the poster wrote, along with a photo showing an entire row of disable seats blocked off by two bikes secured with a lock.
“My opinion, they shouldn’t be allowed, what you think?” he asked members in the Australian Disability Parking Wall of Shame group.
Some people thought it was fine if there were no passengers who needed the reserved seating.
“If no one requires access at the time, makes sense to use the empty space,” one person suggested.
“There are signs allowing it and stating the area must be vacated if requested,” another person added.
The man who posted the image did not disclose if he needed the disable seating but said he did ask passengers who the bikes belonged to but failed to find the owner.
“I tried asking politely but no one claimed responsibility,” he responded.
A few people pointed out that because the bikes were secured, if a person did need to access the seats, removing the bikes wouldn’t be quick.
“The fact they’re chained up means they won't be moved in any timely fashion, and not likely to be moved before the train sets off again,” a person wrote.
“I'm not sure about this, if someone needed the seats they are supposed to be offered up but locking the bikes seems a bit over the top,” another person agreed.
A few people in the group got fired up about the situation.
“Disabled folk treated like crap as usual,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Definitely NOT ok,” another said.
VicRoads Department of Transport told Yahoo News Australia that passengers with bikes cannot board at the first door of the first carriage, as this is a priority area for mobility impaired passengers.
While it is not clear which carriage the photo was taken in, VicRoads said passengers with bikes are asked to keep passageways and doorways clear and remember to be accommodating to those who need the reserved seating, particularly those with disabilities and new mothers.
“It’s important to be considerate of all passengers sharing the train network by ensuring seats, particularly those for the mobility impaired, are not obscured by objects - including bikes,” they said.
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