When Wessex trains announced a ban on taking bikes on trains at peak times into major cities many campaign groups objected. When diplomatic channels resulted in no change Bath Cycling Campaign decided to up the profile with a publicity stunt.

6 campaigners dressed in normal commuting clothes, but carrying large objects e.g. an ironing board, inflatable crocodile, and a chair boarded a train to along with a Points West reporter and camera man. There was room for all these objects, so why not bikes. A week later the ban was lifted.

• To get public attention as to the ridiculousness of the ban
• To encourage Wessex Trains to revoke the ban of bikes peak trains
  

Outcomes

Success can be measured both by the amount of media attention provoked and the fact that the ban was lifted. Having a reporter and camera man on the train made it a fun demonstration and got the issue out to a wide audience. This was probably not the only thing that made Wessex Trains change their decision, but it probably helped. 

Resources

• Time: Very easy to organise; a press release, 6 people to do the stunt, props and spokesperson willing to be interviewed
  
• Expertise: Group learnt from the success of this that it is important to have a good hook for the press, something of public interest, visual and preferably where you are actually doing something
• Funding: No cost

• Happy to share our experience, contact details as listed