Tram chiefs agree to be first UK network to carry bicycles

Published on Tuesday 25 November 2008 08:51

THE Capital's trams are to be the first in the UK to carry bikes following a campaign by city cyclists.

Trams chiefs have agreed to carry bikes on a trial basis once the 512 million line has been up and running for a year or so.

It means Edinburgh will become the first city in the UK to allow bikes on trams, although the practice is common in the US and in mainland Europe.

Gary Bell, a representative of the campaign group Spokes, which has been lobbying for the move, said: "This is excellent news for Edinburgh because it will really show that the tram project is about linking in with other forms of transport.

"While it will be new in Britain, it's common practice elsewhere in the world.

"We don't expect cyclists to be using trams a lot but, for off-peak use especially, the trams will be very attractive for longer journeys. Line 1 covers quite a substantial part of the city and it will be an attractive option for cyclists wanting to travel out to the west of Edinburgh and the airport."

Spokes said it would press for the trials to be carried out at the earliest possible opportunity.

Last year, a report published by Transport Edinburgh Limited – the company that will run the bus and tram network – ruled out carrying bikes on trams for safety reasons.

But a TEL spokesman said there were now plans for trials in either 2012 or 2013 once the trams are in place and reliable passenger numbers have been established.

TEL's Alastair Richards said: "We are committed to off-peak trials as soon as usage reaches a steady state with sufficient experience built up and a quick system for safe retention of bicycles has been devised and approved for trials in public operation.

"TEL are keen to explore all means to improve public transport integration with sustainable transport modes."

Green councillors had put a motion to the city council last year calling for bikes to be allowed on the city's tram system.

The majority of tram stops west of Haymarket and north of Picardy Place are also expected to have cycle parking facilities where people can leave their bikes.

Green councillor Steve Burgess said: "This is very welcome news. Bikes go on trams in other countries, so we know it can be done.

"We want to try and maximise the number of people using the tram system and allowing cyclists on will help to do that."