Greater Manchester to trial bikes on trams

Metrolink, which serves Greater Manchester, currently permits folded bikes in bags on trams, but standard bicycles are not permitted. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is now launching a guided pilot to test the safe carriage of bikes and non-standard cycles on off-peak tram services. 

 

During the guided pilot there will be no change to the conditions of carriage for customers - only invited participants will be able to take their bikes on Metrolink under test conditions during the pilot. The trial, due to be considered by the Bee Network Committee at its next meeting, will take place under the supervision of TfGM and the tram operator, Keolis Amey Metrolink to minimise the impact on passengers and maintain public safety. 

 

Volunteer cyclists will take their bikes on board, sampling different routes and stops at different times of the day and days of the week. Feedback will be sought from other passengers and the cyclists themselves. 

 

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham committed to carrying out the pilot study as part of his mayoral manifesto, which was also recommended by Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey as part of her Refreshed Active Travel Mission. In the last year, a working group from TfGM has teamed up with consultants to carry out research and gain insight from other light rail networks. 

 

The pilot will start at the end of February and will take place over a period of four to six weeks, with the results presented to the Bee committee in the summer.