The racks on Billinton Hill were set to be removed on July 1, with commuters told to clear their bikes by 30 June, a move that drew heavy criticism for poor communication and lack of consultation.
Although the closure has now been paused following mounting pressure from residents, a growing petition, and intervention by Croydon MPs Natasha Irons and Sarah Jones, Southern says it is still “considering improvements” to bike storage at the station.
Addiscombe resident Chris Galpin, who launched the petition, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “It shouldn’t have taken all this, but it is good to know it works.”
Galpin described the U-turn as a “great victory” and proof that “when a community raises its voice like this, it can be heard.” His petition quickly gained traction, becoming the focal point of local resistance to the closure.
The initial closure plan, reported last week by the LDRS, sparked widespread frustration. With East Croydon one of the UK’s busiest non-terminal stations, the Billinton Hill racks have long been relied upon by commuters integrating cycling into their daily journeys.
When questioned by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Southern said the racks needed to go after unauthorised vehicles were discovered accessing the adjacent staff car park, just metres from the mainline tracks. The company claimed that to properly secure the site, access to the cycle parking would have to be removed.
But critics argue the move unfairly targeted cyclists. Many questioned why the entire facility had to be shut, especially without clear alternatives.
While Southern pointed to other racks near Costa, with CCTV and better visibility, locals say those are already overcrowded and don’t meet demand.
“It’s great to hear that they have paused it,” said Galpin, “but we need some assurances that they will properly consult when trying to make these kinds of changes in the future.”
Croydon MP Natasha Irons also challenged the decision with a letter to Southern. She welcomed the pause, telling the LDRS: “I am delighted that Southern has listened and is reviewing their decision to close the cycle racks at Billinton Hill… Residents have made it very clear how important these facilities are… and their views need to be respected.”
She added that linking cycling with public transport is vital for sustainable travel across Croydon and beyond.
Galpin warned that the issue may not be over: “What I wouldn’t want to see is them pausing, waiting for the heat to die down and then putting forward the closure again.”
He also raised concerns that the signs announcing the closure are still up: “If they see them, they are not going to lock up there and then [Southern] may say no one is using it.”
In a statement issued after the backlash, Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern, said: “The bike rack is located within a staff car park which, at the moment, remains open to allow access to the cycle rack.
“We have found a challenge with unauthorised vehicles parking there, posing a security issue given its proximity to the mainline platforms.
It’s important for everyone’s safety to make this car park more secure. While there is alternative cycle parking available closer to the station, near Costa, which is covered by a shelter, better CCTV and is in sight of our ticket gate staff, we appreciate the concerns raised and will look again at the issue.”
