Newcastle Cycling Campaign

Bikes on Metro – positive steps taken

At the end of 2017, we wrote to NEXUS to congratulate them about securing government funding for the new Metro train fleet. This is a great opportunity to allow normal cycles on the metro by creating “flexible user space” on the new carriages. We had asked for this in our reply to their consultation. What is happening? The step taken by NEXUS looks encouraging. They told us, that “There will be further engagement between passengers and suppliers as the process develops in which we can explore how this could increase the possibility for people to travel with bikes.”   The[…]

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NEXUS consultation on new metrocar fleet design – our reply

Newcycling has replied to Nexus consultation on the new Metrocar fleet design.  Individuals can reply online up until the 2 December 2016 – your chance to also ask for a 21st Century design which meets future needs and allows normal bikes on metro: http://www.nexus.org.uk/consultation/item/tell-us-your-views-interior-design-future-metrocars “Dear Tobyn We are delighted to note the consultation for design of the new metro cars. We welcome this. However the online form is not really suitable for use of interest groups, due to the many personal preference questions in the survey. Hence us writing this email to you, I hope you don’t mind. Please could you[…]

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For the first time in their 40 year history

We congratulate Nexus/Metro on their decision to run an operational trial for full-sized cycles on Metro trains. This means for the first time in their 40 year history, cycles will be allowed on carriages. “The trail (sic) will begin on 4 April, between Callerton Parkway and Jesmond stations, with trains able to carry up to two bikes (one in each Metrocar) between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday. It is being managed by DB Regio Tyne and Wear Ltd, the company which operates stations and trains on behalf of Nexus. Further information will be published at nexus.org.uk in the coming[…]

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Cycle City with Bikes on Metro

Something has shifted! Minds have been moved towards a more integrated transport system. In Newcastle City Council’s recent bid to the Cycle City Ambition Fund contained an astonishing statement from Nexus. Taking your bike on Metro trains may not be so fictional any more. Many thanks must go to Newcastle City Council who on behalf of cyclists and according to our Campaign priorities, letter to Cllr Todd and 13/14 priorities, kept the pressure on Nexus to see the light at the end of their long and dark tunnel. Saying that, it’s worth bearing in mind that we really aren’t asking[…]

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Bikes on Metro – Looking Forward

Over the last year the Newcastle Cycling Campaign has been working with a number of other local groups to make recommendations to the Nexus board regarding the Metro and Bikes. On 10th January the Nexus board met and considered the proposals put forward by the group, the outcome of which is below. Carriage of bikes on the Metro – The Nexus board shares our “aspiration to allow carriage of full-size bicycles on Metro” and they have requested that further evaluation is carried out to determine whether bikes can be safely carried on the Metro, and the possibility of this being[…]

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Bikes on Metro – NEXUS survey

Earlier this year, we pressed for a Bikes on Metro trial – although NEXUS bosses said no, at least it kick started a stakeholders’ group examining the long-standing question of whether bicycles can be carried on the TW Metro. As part of this investigation, NEXUS are surveying Metro passengers (on-train) and a wider population (off train) in order to capture the views of bike users and non-bike users: https://www.research.net/s/N2XKRJ7 The results of the survey as well as other elements of the investigation (e.g. Health and Safety assessment) will be included in a report to the NEXUS board at the end[…]

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It’s all in the (Head of) Communications

In a letter today Bernard Garner says the task & finish group is in the process of being set up. His own head of communication was of the opinion it had been set up. Communications! Wires. Crossed. Inching closer… Metro’s Stephen Psallidas will be in touch. In the near future. Here’s what was said in 2005 “However, Stephen Psallidas of transport charity Sustrans, is urging Nexus to support the idea in principle and carry out a trial on Sundays and bank holidays”. We remain. Waiting. And. Seeing.

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