One crucial difference between trains and trams is that one allows bikes, and the other doesn’t.
Of course, we have a lot of work to do on our trains too, but at least you can in theory take your bike on them..
This one, simple, quick win would allow transport to become more integrated in Greater Manchester…
..so people could cycle to a tram stop.
…Take their bike on the tram
Then cycle away at the other end.
It’s a no brainer.
We will urge an immediate review of this policy by TfGM …
…and push for a trial of bikes on the Metrolink system.
The last time this was mooted, it was rejected as bikes were deemed ‘too dangerous’
That they would become dangerous projectiles in the event of a sudden stop.
Clearly – this is nonsense.
It’s not a problem in Minneapolis
It’s not a problem in Edinburgh.
And it’s not a problem in Stuttgart – where bikes even have their own carriage!!
Edinburgh changed its policy in 2015 after they held a two month trial, with absolutely no problems.
So we are calling for a similar trial here…
….on one line, for off-peak weekdays and weekends only, excluding Premier League home games. It would create an immediate boost to efforts to increase walking and cycling and cost nothing.