Supervised trial for allowing bikes on Metrolink launches

A supervised trial to test whether bikes and non-standard cycles can be taken on trams has been launched.

Under the current rules Metrolink allows folded bikes in bags on trams, but standard bikes are not permitted.

Proposals for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to carry out a guided pilot were approved by the Bee Network Committee in January.

The guided pilot will take place with volunteers selected by TfGM on off-peak services, under test conditions. It will be supervised by the tram operator, Keolis Amey Metrolink (KAM).

It will also look at the carriage of adapted bikes used as mobility aids, scooters and a broader range of mobility scooters that are not currently permitted. 

The pilot, which launched last Thursday, February 29, will run for four-to-six weeks on off-peak services on different lines, routes and stops across the Metrolink network, at different times of the day and days of the week.

During the guided pilot there will be no change to Metrolink’s Conditions of Carriage and bikes and non-standard cycles will not be allowed to be taken onto trams by members of the public.

Only invited participants under supervision by KAM staff will be able to take their bikes on Metrolink trams.

Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner, said: “I would like to thank Transport for Greater Manchester for progressing with the bikes on trams trial and I am looking forward to observing the study myself in the coming weeks.

“Not only will researchers carry out their study on a range of Metrolink lines and services, they will also trial different types of cycles, including non-standard ones used as mobility aids.

“A follow up report on how it’s gone will be brought to the Bee Network Committee this summer and I will be interested to read their analysis and learn more about how volunteers and tram users have found the experience.”

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham committed to carrying out the pilot study as part of his mayoral manifesto, which was also recommended by Dame Sarah as part of her Refreshed Active Travel Mission.

Consideration will be given to the space required to transport bikes alongside passengers, as well as the existing challenges of accommodating bikes both on trams and the wider network, including stops and transport interchanges. 

Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink at TfGM, said: “I’m pleased to confirm that the pilot to test the carriage of bikes and non-standard cycles on trams is now underway and I look forward to reviewing its findings.

“I would like to remind Metrolink customers and cyclists that only invited volunteers can take part in the pilot, and that the current conditions of carriage still stand.

“In the meantime, we welcome people’s views about bikes on trams and they can get in touch by emailing: hello@beenetwork.com.”

TfGM is recruiting volunteers from cycle groups in Greater Manchester, including those who have both standard and adapted bikes.

The pilot has been developed to ensure all passenger groups are represented including people with disabilities and those travelling with pushchairs.

This will enable researchers to observe different scenarios involving bikes on trams in a controlled way and record the experiences of everyone using trams.

Feedback from other passengers will also be recorded as a part of the pilot along with feedback from the volunteer taking part and any other participants involved. 

A follow-up report will be brought to the Bee Network Committee later this year with recommendations regarding the carriage of bikes on Metrolink.

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