AQW 25213/11-15

Mr Daithí McKay
Sinn Féin
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 03/09/2013
Answered On Date: 18/09/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what consideration he has given to introducing bicycle racks on Ulsterbus and Metro services.

Answer:

Translink considered introducing an exterior mounted type of cycle rack for potential fitment to buses three years ago. The rack was to be fitted either to the front or rear of a bus. It was decided not to proceed as racks mounted at the front of a bus substantially obscured the driver’s field of vision through the front windscreen of the bus. The rear mounted version was also ruled out as it would have severely restricted access to the bus engine compartment for both routine maintenance and emergency access.

In addition other safety issues associated with these racks were identified, primarily the potential increased risk of injury to cyclists who would be required to load, unload and secure their bicycles in the racks, as well as the potential increased risk to pedestrians if they were accidently struck by the racks.