Cyclists and the NET
Pedals has been much involved in discussions on a range of matters to do
with the implications of the NET for cyclists ever since planning for
Nottingham's new trams first started in the early 1990s.
The aim of these discussions was to help ensure that the detailed planning of the NET both minimised possible problems for cyclists (e.g. when the tram runs on narrow roads) and maximises the opportunities to help cyclists (e.g. through safe-angled crossings of the tram tracks and, where possible, new cycle facilities alongside the tram routes and including cycle lanes, cycle paths and cycle parking at tram stops)
(See http://www.pedals.org.uk/node/196 for information on the cycle lockers at the Phoenix Park NET Terminus Park and Ride site installed in 2008).
We also commented on suitable locations for the use of the special warning signs for cyclists in relation to tram tracks and tram stops which were authorised for the first time by the Department for Transport in connection with a new tram line.
In the run-up to the opening of NET Line One (Nottingham Station to Hucknall) in March 2004 Pedals worked with the NET Project Team to produce a leaflet giving detailed advice on how cyclists should cope with tram tracks and detailing alternative cycle routes (e.g. in the Arboretum / Forest Fields / Hyson Green area) and cycle parking. This is available here.
.jpg)
Cycle accidents with tram tracks
.jpg)
Cycle accidents through slips on the tram tracks have been relatively few and far between since the NET opened in March 2004 but they do happen on some stretches with on-road running, e.g. on Middle Hill. and particuarly in wet or icy weather.
To ensure that we have an accurate picture of the extent of these it is very important that details of all accidents are reported to the police, even just minor slips with only slight injuries.
- Pedals is represented at the quarterly meetings of the Greater Nottingham Light Rapid Transit Advisory Committee. This was established under the legislation which first authorised the building of NET Line One, to ensure that various user and business interests are regularly consulted about different aspects of NET operation and performance and to discuss comments submitted from members of the public.
For more information on this contact Hugh McClintock on Hugh.McClintock [at] ntlworld [dot] com
Bike carriage on trams? Not in Nottingham, despite Pedals pleas!
At about the time that we knew for certain that the NET would be going ahead, i.e. in 2001, Pedals campaigned for an experiment to allow bikes to be carried on trams, but this in the end was not successful. As a result the NET does not allow cyclists to take their bicycles onto the Trams (except for folding bikes). The position is the same on all trams in the UK, despite increasing provision for bikes on trams in several other countries, particularly in Continental Europe.
We still would like to see some more general cycle access permitted, at
least outside peak periods and subject to other conditions, but this remains a long-term aim, partly dependent on the success of similar campaigns by other cycle campaigners in cities with new or proposed trams, e.g. Sheffield, Manchester and Edinburgh.
Cycle carriage on trams is common in many Continental cities, e.g. Strasbourg in France, Zurich and Basle in Switzerland (see photos below) but not yet anywhere in the UK altough it is being seriously considered as an experiment once the new trams in Edinburgh are up and running, thanks to lobbying by Spokes, the Lothians cycling campaign
(for more on this see their website at http://www.spokes.org.uk/index.php )
Bikes on trams - possible in Strasbourg etc. but not in Nottingham on the NET!
To see more details about cyclists and the NET on the NET website click here.
We have already been much involved in detailed discussions about the implications for cyclists of the two NET extension line proposals, to Beeston and Chilwell, and to Wilford and Clifton, which were approved by the Government in April 2009.
.jpg)
We took part in the Public Inquiry into these plans in the Autumn of 2007. The Pedals policy document for the NET Phase 2 expansion, prepared for that Inquiry, can be found on policy documents page. We will soon be having further discussions with the NET Project Team about the detailed extension plans.
