Scottish Office Cycle Challenge, Bikes on Buses - Details of Successful Bid (all winners)
Additions and Updates to this site www.spokes.org.uk Home Page
Scottish Office Cycle Challenge, Bikes on Buses - Details of Successful Bid (all winners)
In conjunction with Stagecoach Western and Bluebird Buses, and 6 local councils, a 2-part project for bikes transport on buses.
1) Using existing Express Coach Services, which can (and do) take bikes, to develop a system for securing up to 5 bikes underfloor on a 48 seat coach, and marketing the facility on long distance interurban routes (Initially Dumfries- Edinburgh/Glasgow, and Aberdeenshire from Aberdeen). It is hoped that a unit will be fitted at the earliest opportunity, and run in service to 'de-bug' the system in time for full introduction in Summer 1998.
2) Using the US style of front mounting rack, to progress the potential of using a rapid loading carrying system available for a wide range of buses, on local services, especially where the potential patronage can be increased in rural areas by cycling to or from a convenient route in and a convenient route out from the town (not necessarily the same route). Initial service proposed is Dumfries-Lockerbie, using a common Scottish built bus (Alexander PS/Volvo B10M), running 06.00-23.00 weekdays. This element conditional on successful completion of research and testing, which is part of the bid, and being done in close cooperation with DETR.
We have operational experience from the USA (12,000 vehicles in operation - no significant incidents reported), and would welcome any feedback from New Zealand, and other countries where this service is already operating, or where it is being considered (France, Australia).
Information to/from Tramsol@aol.com
NB - Bikes on Buses Current Information - Stagecoach services already taking bikes loose in the hold include Glasgow - Fife, and Bluebird/Western X routes. The bikes may be refused if they are dirty, or could damage other luggage, and will get tangled up if more than 2 are placed in together. This relates to the former SMT Clause 7(d) which allowed bikes to be carried in the hold at the discretion of the driver, and generally carried over to the new private owners. National Express will carry bikes - dismantled and in purpose made bags if space permits. Other small, local Scottish carriers are listed on CTC Bikes on Buses data sheet. Yorkshire Bikeliner will commence a once weekly Hull-Glasgow service in May 1998.
News of related scheme in Cumbria.
Please e-mail us with your comments and suggestions.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
to School |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home Page |