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Tyne and Wear Metro operator allowing bikes on board for trial periodMetro logo.jpg

Tyne and Wear Metro operator allowing bikes on board for trial period

No issues with folding bikes so rules have been broadened to include non-folding bikes too
by Alex Bowden
Sat, Nov 05, 2016 12:48
10

Nexus has announced a trial where cyclists will be allowed to bring bikes on a stretch of its Tyne and Wear Metro network until March 2017. Normally only folding bikes are allowed on the Metro but cyclists will now be able to bring bikes on board between Callerton Parkway and Jesmond.

Back in 2012, Nexus said it was “not the right time” to allow cyclists to take their bikes onto services. Campaigners asked for trial outside peak hours and that is what is now being run.

Chronicle Live reports that the trial will run from Monday to Friday, between 10am and 3pm, for the next six months.

Paul Walker, customer service director at DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates the Metro on behalf of Nexus, said that no problems had resulted from allowing folding bikes and so the rules have been broadened.

“The first phase of the cycle trial has been well-received by a small number of cyclists, with no major issues. By extending the trial for six months we can see what happens during colder, wetter months and as the system is at its busiest before Christmas.

“This will enable us to gain a greater understanding of whether Metro can safely and comfortably accommodate non-folding bikes on parts of the system, while also informing the design and specification for investment in a new train fleet.

“We understand the importance of cycling to people across the region and we already make sure there is secure storage at or close to every station, with smart lockers at key locations, so people can easily combine cycling and travel by Metro.”

Bikes must be kept in the designated space and cyclists must remain with them at all times.

Nexus
Tyne and Wear
Metro
Newcastle
Gateshead
Sunderland
Alex Bowden

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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10 comments

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A V Lowe | 8 years ago
0 likes

Interior of refurbished Nexus metro carriage showing flexible space (outer doors)

Avatar
A V Lowe | 8 years ago
1 like

This 'trial' has surely been running for almost a year on the limited section between Callerton and Newcastle Airport. This trial began with the delivery of the last of the refurbished trains, where the internal layout had been changed to include 2 'flexible spaces' which so really conveniently are just about long enough to fit in a bike or two with the front wheels turned*.  

The detail has now, it seems, been extended network-wide, although I think you may need to check the detail on times of day, and access via the deep level stations at Central, Gateshead, Monument and Haymarket. 

I think you also need to review the syntax of your story - folding bikes have always been carried on the Nexus Metro, but the limited trial has now been extended?    

Of course there is the 'official' position and the pragmatic line taken by staff faced with the dilemma of delaying dozens of trams, as the tram driver, on their own, has to leave the cab and persuade the cyclist to get off, or call the Police to remove the cyclist - whilst not moving...  This picture taken at Ethihad (Man City) Manchester when on an official visit with Metrolink managers.

*It looked like this 2 years ago in Newcastle ... (see next post)

Avatar
Roadie_john | 8 years ago
0 likes

It's being trialled on a stretch of the line that's basically empty outside peak hours. It's great that the trial is extended, but until it goes south of the river or into the centre, it's just a limited trial.

Avatar
Stumps | 8 years ago
0 likes

Glad to see they are trialling this.

Between 10 and 3 is probably the only suitable time for someone to try and get their bike on the Metro. Prior to and after that its just way to busy and will cause no end of problems for cyclists and commuters alike.

 

Avatar
Manchestercyclist | 8 years ago
1 like

So what is it about the Manchester Metrolink thy makes it so uniquely unsuited to bikes. I recently asked them whether it was the frame, wheels or handlebars that was prohibited, they could not tell me. I'd like to experiment with others by carrying parts of bikesto find out which bit Manchester Metrolink take umbrage with.

Avatar
Roadie_john replied to Manchestercyclist | 8 years ago
0 likes

GREGJONES wrote:

So what is it about the Manchester Metrolink thy makes it so uniquely unsuited to bikes. I recently asked them whether it was the frame, wheels or handlebars that was prohibited, they could not tell me. I'd like to experiment with others by carrying parts of bikesto find out which bit Manchester Metrolink take umbrage with.

http://youtu.be/ST7SPWXodSo

Avatar
pakennedy | 8 years ago
1 like

Rapha said to be developing short sleeved jersey with pocket on arm for pack of fags.

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gmac101 replied to pakennedy | 8 years ago
1 like

pakennedy wrote:

Rapha said to be developing short sleeved jersey with pocket on arm for pack of fags.

A pack of Tabs  surely

Avatar
pakennedy replied to gmac101 | 8 years ago
1 like

gmac101 wrote:

pakennedy wrote:

Rapha said to be developing short sleeved jersey with pocket on arm for pack of fags.

A pack of Tabs  surely

Wasn't sure the rest of the readership would understand cheeky.

Avatar
bendertherobot | 8 years ago
0 likes

Can you wear Mavic into Morrisons?

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