AQW 26521/11-15

Mr Chris Lyttle
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 01/10/2013
Answered On Date: 11/10/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development to detail the planned investment for encouraging mixed bicycle and rail transport use.

Answer:

I have recently announced the creation of a unit which will be tasked with developing cycling and walking initiatives and making a case for investment. In terms of making use of public transport Translink have confirmed that currently there are 208 bicycle storage spaces across the rail network. NI Railways continue to regularly monitor levels of use of these facilities and will develop a programme for installation of additional spaces where further demand is projected.

The class 3000 trains which entered service in 2004-05 have capacity to accommodate up to 4 bicycles. The class 4000 trains which entered into service in 2011-12 have capacity to accommodate 8 bicycles in a 3 car train. In addition folding bicycles can be accommodated provided they are completely folded.

In relation to buses, making provision for those combining bike and bus travel will be considered by the new unit referred to above.