The use of cycles in conjunction with trams is being actively encouraged in many European countries. In The Netherlands, old trams are stripped-out and towed as cycle-rack trailers because of the increasing number of cycles needing to be carried. At tram stops, cycle lock-up containers are provided so that cycle+ride becomes possible.
In Wolverhampton, cycle lock-ups with closed-circuit
television surveillance are provided at all tram stops, but cycles
may not be carried on the vehicles.
Pictures of Wolverhampton cycle facilities
The present cycle traffic on the Portsmouth Harbour ferry, and the projected increase when trams take over the route (in an undersea tunnel) is sufficient to justify provision of cycle-only trams or trailers.
The new British-designed T.P.L.
TRAM vehicle (which is the prototype for Bristol and is also
proposed for Bath) makes provision for cycles on board. The possibility
that a double-decked variant of this
vehicle may be specified does not preclude cycles being carried
inside the tram, however, the Railway Inspectorate is believed
to oppose this on grounds of Health and Safety.
The use of a cycle trailer on the proposed Bath system would not
generally be possible because the tram reverses direction at each
terminus and the trailer would then be in front of the driving
vehicle, obscuring the driver's view.
The possibility is being considered of a link
between the University terminus and Combe Down. If this were to
be installed, a single-direction service of trams towing cycle
trailers would then be possible. Similarly, a loop at the Park+Ride
terminus on Lansdown would allow the use of cycle trailers on
that route.
Although this would allow the tram service to perform the function
of a cycle lift up two of Bath's steepest hills there may be a
more appropriate, purpose built method:
Bicycle Lift
In Trondheim, a bicycle
lift of novel design has been working for several years. If
a design similar to this could be applied successfully and safely
to the hills of Bath, it may prove to be a better option than
adapting the trams. It would almost certainly be considerably
cheaper and could prove more attractive to cyclists than waiting
for a tram and having to load and unload a bicycle.
Use "Back"in browser menu to return
