Brompton cyclist kicked out of Tesco again – a week after being told that folding bikes were welcome in its stores

A man who was assured by Tesco that he was allowed to enter its stores while carrying a Brompton has again been kicked out for attempting to do precisely that. The staff member involved refused to change their position even when he showed them a previous apology from the supermarket chain’s official Twitter account.

Ben Bawden was last week told that he couldn’t enter the Tesco Express in Epsom while carrying his folding bike due to ‘health and safety’.

A series of tweets between himself and the chain’s Twitter account ensued with most of Tesco’s messages having subsequently been deleted. However, common sense appeared to prevail when he was eventually told: “We're very sorry for the error in our last tweet. There is no policy on Brompton bikes & welcome customers who use them.”

This apparent victory was short-lived, however. This morning, Bawden told road.cc:

“I went in yesterday with my Brompton, half folded – so it can be used a bit like a shopping trolley – and one of the staff members told me I had to leave it outside.

“I showed her the tweet from Tesco, but she wouldn't change her mind. So I stormed out and went to the Co-op over the road.”

Another exchange with the supermarket’s Twitter account has seen Tesco again apologise.

@HushLegs Please be assured I've spoken with Arthie, our Duty Manager, & made her aware that you're able to bring the bike in to store. 1/3

— Tesco (@Tesco) March 11, 2016

@HushLegs She'll let her other colleagues in store know so you won't have this problem in the future. 2/3

— Tesco (@Tesco) March 11, 2016

@HushLegs If you need anything further, please don't hesitate to let me know. Thanks again - Amy 3/3

— Tesco (@Tesco) March 11, 2016

However, despite these efforts, Bawden has understandably not been won over.

“I doubt I'll try again. They don't deserve my custom,” he said.