AQW 40274/11-15

Mr Steven Agnew
Green Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 05/01/2015
Answered On Date: 14/01/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development what consideration has been given to piloting bike racks on buses.

Answer:

In launching my draft Bicycle Strategy I set out my commitment to address barriers to modal interchange, including the opportunities to enable the carrying of bicycles on public transport. Consultation on the draft Strategy closed on 21st November 2014 with a report due in February 2015.

Responses to the consultation make clear that the provision of bike racks on buses is an issue for some cyclists. To move matters forward my officials are engaging with Translink to ensure that the delivery plan for my Bicycle Strategy addresses this issue.

My officials are currently engaging with Translink and others to explore opportunities to facilitate, on a pilot basis initially, the carrying of bicycles on bike racks on buses, with a technical assessment underway to determine the potential impact as well as the safety implications of such a pilot in Belfast.

Folding bicycles continue to be permitted on all Translink bus services.