Transport bosses have upheld a controversial ban on taking bikes on Manchester’s trams.
Green campaigners and cycling groups lobbied for a change in the rules and a review was ordered in February.
But, after a survey of more than 1,000 passengers, Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority has recommend the ban should stay.
The body, which sets public policy across Greater Manchester, said allowing bikes to be carried safely on trams would cost Metrolink at least £3m in carriage modifications.
No final decision has been made as the report is due to go before GMITA’s policy and resources committee next week. But the recommendation is to ‘maintain the current position’.
Coun Keith Whitmore, the committee’s chairman, said: “This review has not been about banning cyclists from Metrolink – indeed, there are cycle-parking facilities across the network, with more to come.
“It has been about whether bikes can safely be taken on to trams. The working group has taken a long, hard look at this issue, considered a great deal of information, including the safety implications, and asked tram passengers for their views, as well as cycle and environmental groups.
“The process has been open and thorough, with the benefit of views from all sides of the debate.”
Under existing rules, only fully-encased folding bikes are allowed on board.
The report has ruled that modifications needed to remove seats so four bikes could be carried on board every tram would cost around £3m.
A survey of passenger opinion is also due to be reported to next Friday’s meeting.
Half of those questioned thought bikes should be allowed on trams in principle – but fewer than seven per cent were in favour of removing seats to cater for the change.
Council bosses from each of Greater Manchester’s 10 local authorities were invited to submit their views.
Representations were also received from the Manchester-based Love Your Bike campaign; the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign; the Cyclist Touring Club; the Disability Design Reference Group and tram operators Stagecoach Metrolink.
Transport bosses have always argued that taking bikes on trams is dangerous. Campaigners point to the fact that other bulky items like prams and musical instruments are allowed.
Coun Keith Whitmore added: “When we make our decision on Friday, I am satisfied that we will be doing so based on as much high-quality information as possible. The committee now needs to consider the working group’s findings before this important matter can be resolved.”
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If you could also ban prams at rush hour it would be nice. Ok thanks bye
All of the 1,000 passengers surveyed were chosen because none of them were wearing bicycle clips or helmets.
If you are on a bike why do you need to get on a tram. On yer bike.....
Good, there simply isn't the room for them.
They should ban passengers. That would make a hell of a lot of space.
Excellent. Best bit of sense I've ever heard from Metrolink.
backward Britain, when will they take note from the Netherlands on how to run an efficient service where everybody's happy
This is a shame, but it makes perfect sense with the design of the tram. I mean with prams you should be told to fold them up if possible, but bikes cause an obstruction you just cannot clear. It is one more reason the train line should have stayed in place through Oldham.
Regarding prams on trams, why does nobody ever think of folding them up?
I'll unbolt 4 seats on every tram for £1m !
Can I get my car on please? It's an old Mini so won't take up much space? Ta
I find it odd that a survey of tram passengers is carried out when its likely to exclude those in favour of bikes on trams given their current stance.
It should have been the job of the GMITA to procure trams that are able to take both foot passengers and those with bikes.
After all the "I" in their acronym stand for 'Integrated'. There is nothing Integrated about this.
There are many who live near a tram stop that is not within walking distance either side of their journey and is not served properly by buses. A short bike journey either side as in my case gets me to work - yet it's too far by bike alone.
By taking this stance the GMITA are just making journeys difficult for those that want to ditch the car - and not fulfilling the purpose they are there for.
Yes too many bikes on the current trams are could be a nuisance - the GMITA should have had the foresight to make sure they could be accommodated making it easier and comfortable for all, they have failed to do this.
Cllr Whitmore says "there are cycle-parking facilities across the network". Most stations don't have any cycle parking, and those that do are poor quality. The cycle lockers are too small to fit bikes and damage bikes with rear mudguards. Even after the recent refurbishment on on the Altrincham line stations the facilities are rubbish. What do we pay the GMPTE for - they don't appear to be able to do their job.
Most countres can accommodate bikes on their trams, but not Manchester. Why do we have to accept a third rate system - lets outsource the GMPTE's role to the Dutch or Germans, as they appear to know what they are doing.
I'd definitely fold some of them up!
When folded, the bikes take up a lot less room than prams (No excuse for unfolded bikes if the bike is capable of being folded). Last time I was on trams frequently, which was admittedly a whole year ago, I would often find two prams together at the same double doors causing a complete full width barricade. I can't really see that having changed to be honest.
Now, I'm fine with wheelchair users, I'll even offer to help them get on / off if they're on their own. But for prams: stand under the shelter and fold it up before getting on. It's a nightmare to do on a moving tram and once done, uses so much less space. Being on your own is no excuse either. Despite declining manners in the nation as a whole, there will still be no shortage of people who would happily carry your pram on for you if asked, and they could see that your arms were full with a baby.
Not very good cycling groups if they need to get on the tram with their bikes
Ban the bit of common sense the campaigners have..............OHH sorry its already been banned, thats why they are talking out of their backsides! And a ban on prams?? Now thats just low! Mothers shouldnt be allowed to take their children on public transport before they can walk by themselves?? Oh I have a better idea, lets ban all people in wheelchairs or who use a walking aid!! Ridiculous! You can discriminate against a bike, but not against people who have prams, wheelchairs, frames, larger than normal coats, more than 2 primark bags or an extra large head!
So what Metrolink are saying to cyclists is 'want to come on the tram? on yer bike!'
Have they asked the same passengers whether mobility scooters should be banned? The selfish always opt for self interest.
If you've got a bike why take the tram ?.......................now if you have a puncture ?
Never understood why people with bikes need the tram. I also rejoice at any situation where bikers do not get their own selfish way. The city has spent god knows how much pandering to these people and I still see them ignore the most basic rules of the road. Bikers generally give the impression of being arrogant - particularly the ones who bought the full llycra outfit. If you've got a bike, USE IT.
In a similar vein:
In a recent survey of turkeys not one was in favour of Christmas!