Campaigners disappointed by bikes on trams decision

Love Your Bike campaigners believe that GMITA transport policy is heading in the wrong direction

Love Your Bike is disappointed the decision by the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA) Policy and Resources committee to continue the ban on cycle carriage on the Metrolink trams.

The campaign believes that the decision signals a GMITA transport policy heading in the wrong direction and the campaigners are calling on the GMITA to continue working to develop policies and facilities to allow people to combine cycle journeys with journeys on Metrolink trams.

The group has welcomed the amendment passed by the Policy and Resources committee to reinstate the recommendation recognising that the current ban does not rule out future adaptations in relation to cycle carriage during the forthcoming mid-life refurbishment of existing trams.

Love Your Bike believes that creating a public transport system which encourages people to combine the flexibility of a bicycle journey with bus, train and tram services would help deliver a sustainable and truly integrated transport service for Greater Manchester.

Love Your Bike will continue to work with both GMITA members and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) officers to encourage the development of a progressive cycling strategy for Greater Manchester.

Catherine Thomson from Manchester Friends of the Earth said: “Despite today’s disappointing decision, we will continue to work with Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority members to develop a truly sustainable and integrated transport system for Greater Manchester which gives people the facilities to combine cycle journeys with the public transport network.”