No change in bikes on trams policy

Transport leaders in Greater Manchester have agreed not to change the existing policy that prevents bikes from being carried on Metrolink.

The findings of an in-depth review, carried out by a cross-party working group, were today considered by Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority's (GMITA) Policy & Resources Committee.

Under the existing Conditions of Carriage, only fully-encased folding bikes are allowed on board. Members agreed not to change this policy but clarified that covered folding bikes could be taken on board.

Members also agreed that the design of the original T68 trams relating to any mid-life refurbishment should not preclude any future adaptation of the interior of trams, should there be a future change in policy in relation to the carriage of bikes.

They also agreed to ask Stagecoach Metrolink to investigate the possibility of extending the South West Trains folding cycle lease scheme to Metrolink and to explore the possibility of a major bicycle hire scheme for Manchester City Centre and Salford.

Councillor Keith Whitmore, Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, said: "The Authority has conducted a thorough and in-depth review into this issue, taking on board comments and evidence from all sides of the debate - including tram passengers and cycling and environmental groups.

"There are cycle-parking facilities across the Metrolink network, with more to come, and we have agreed to explore other ways to encourage cycling in Greater Manchester that will support passengers who are looking to start and complete their journey by bike.

"However, the issues associated with allowing bikes to be carried on our busy tram network, including the question of safety, mean we cannot change the existing policy."

Committee members heard that the modifications required to remove the seats necessary to carry four bikes per tram, across the network's vehicles, would cost at least £3 million.

Two Authority members from each of the three main parties made up the working group, which invited comments from tram users, cycling organisations and the ten district authorities.

A survey of more than 1,000 passengers found that more than half thought bikes should be allowed on trams in principle, but only seven per cent were in favour of removing enough seats to carry four bikes per tram.

Representations were made by Love Your Bike (Friends of the Earth), the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign, the Cyclist Touring Club, the Disability Design Reference Group and the operator, Stagecoach Metrolink.

Patronage surveys found that there is no long period of low-demand across the network that could be considered 'off-peak' on any day of the week. There are several 'mini peaks' throughout the day and regular major events in evenings and at weekends also lead to high demand.