Newcastle Metro & Bicycles?

"Alistair Gunn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What's the Newcastle Metro like when it comes to transporting bicycles?
Specifically in non-peak situations. With a bit of luck I'm doing both
the Walney to Wear and Coast-2-Coast (back to back) in a couple of weeks
and, using the Metro is one option that www.nationalrail.co.uk is
throwing up.

(Googling has thrown up anything positive or negative, so I thought I'd
ask the collective wisdom!)

Of course, I'll also have to hope that the guard on GNER doesn't throw a
wobbly when I try and load my recumbent onto the train in York!

Whey bonnie laad, akorrdin t'the torms of contract wi' the Metro, like,
bikes are a definite no-no, unless a folder and hasta be folded.

"For safety reasons, and for the comfort of customers, we have to restrict
the amount and type of luggage and possessions that you can take with you on
Metro. You may, at the discretion of staff, take with you the following
items provided they do not cause an obstruction, and are not put on seats:

personal luggage
pushchairs and buggies
prams
folding bicycles (fully folded)
any other item provided that it is not dangerous or likely to injure anyone

You may not take:
bicycles (including unfolded folding bicycles)
any item that is more than 2 metres long
hazardous or inflammable substances
any item which you are unable to carry yourself (including up and down
stairways and escalators)

We can refuse permission for you to take any item on to a Metro. If you are
in any doubt over a particular item, please contact Metro."

See

<http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/resources/file/eb9cf10a487a332/Metro%20Conditions%20of%20Carriage.pdf>

or

http://makeashorterlink.com/?D33C51E1E

Cheors, helen s

"Alistair Gunn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What's the Newcastle Metro like when it comes to transporting bicycles?
Specifically in non-peak situations. With a bit of luck I'm doing both
the Walney to Wear and Coast-2-Coast (back to back) in a couple of weeks
and, using the Metro is one option that www.nationalrail.co.uk is
throwing up.

(Googling has thrown up anything positive or negative, so I thought I'd
ask the collective wisdom!)

Of course, I'll also have to hope that the guard on GNER doesn't throw a
wobbly when I try and load my recumbent onto the train in York!
--
These opinions might not even be mine ...
Let alone connected with my employer ...

ONLY folding bikes allowed on the Metro, NOT full-size machines :-(

Where do you need to get to/from for the 2 rides ?

If you need to get between Sunderland & Newcastle .... it's not far to ride,
also the "proper" train service (non-Metro) takes bikes without a problem.

RG

In article <[email hidden]>,

Alistair Gunn said:

What's the Newcastle Metro like when it comes to transporting bicycles?
Specifically in non-peak situations. With a bit of luck I'm doing both
the Walney to Wear and Coast-2-Coast (back to back) in a couple of weeks
and, using the Metro is one option that www.nationalrail.co.uk is
throwing up.

(Googling has thrown up anything positive or negative, so I thought I'd
ask the collective wisdom!)

I did C2C a few years back and the official line on the T&W Metro is
that cycles are not carried. We ended up having to do a kind of shuffle
at the end to get my friend and his bike back to Newcastle from
Tynemouth.

Quoted message said:

Of course, I'll also have to hope that the guard on GNER doesn't throw a
wobbly when I try and load my recumbent onto the train in York!

Check that carefully. ISTR tandems and trailers being specifically
prohibited.

Sam

Quoted message said:

What's the Newcastle Metro like when it comes to transporting bicycles?
Specifically in non-peak situations. With a bit of luck I'm doing both
the Walney to Wear and Coast-2-Coast (back to back) in a couple of weeks
and, using the Metro is one option that www.nationalrail.co.uk is
throwing up.

The Tyne and Wear Metro Conditions of Carriage at the link below state
that they cannot be carried, specifically:

3.7 In the interests of safety and the comfort of fellow
passengers you must not:

- Bring any non-folding bicycle onto a Metro train

http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Metro/Other+information/

Sam Wilson twisted the electrons to say:

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,

Alistair Gunn said:

Of course, I'll also have to hope that the guard on GNER doesn't throw
a wobbly when I try and load my recumbent onto the train in York!

Check that carefully. ISTR tandems and trailers being specifically
prohibited.

So are recumbents, though plenty of people have managed to get around it!
--
These opinions might not even be mine ...
Let alone connected with my employer ...

RG twisted the electrons to say:

Quoted message said:

Where do you need to get to/from for the 2 rides ?

Sunderland ...

Quoted message said:

If you need to get between Sunderland & Newcastle .... it's not far to
ride, also the "proper" train service (non-Metro) takes bikes without a
problem.

I was aware of the heavy rail service, I just wanted to know if the Metro
was an option ... Which it would appear it isn't, since I don't have an
'06 model Trice! <grins>
--
These opinions might not even be mine ...
Let alone connected with my employer ...

Alistair Gunn said:

What's the Newcastle Metro like when it comes to transporting bicycles?
Specifically in non-peak situations. With a bit of luck I'm doing both
the Walney to Wear and Coast-2-Coast (back to back) in a couple of weeks
and, using the Metro is one option that www.nationalrail.co.uk is
throwing up.

(Googling has thrown up anything positive or negative, so I thought I'd
ask the collective wisdom!)

Of course, I'll also have to hope that the guard on GNER doesn't throw a
wobbly when I try and load my recumbent onto the train in York!
--
These opinions might not even be mine ...
Let alone connected with my employer ...

Bad news, I'm afraid - Metro don't carry bicycles. There are signs
saying so on trains and if you try to board, there's a good chance the
driver will ask you to alight. Don't know if the rule applies to
folding bikes; all it says on the notices is "Bicycles are not carroed
on Metro trains."

"wafflycat" <w*a*ff£y£cat*@£btco*nn£ect.com> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Alistair Gunn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What's the Newcastle Metro like when it comes to transporting bicycles?
Specifically in non-peak situations. With a bit of luck I'm doing both
the Walney to Wear and Coast-2-Coast (back to back) in a couple of weeks
and, using the Metro is one option that www.nationalrail.co.uk is
throwing up.

(Googling has thrown up anything positive or negative, so I thought I'd
ask the collective wisdom!)

Of course, I'll also have to hope that the guard on GNER doesn't throw a
wobbly when I try and load my recumbent onto the train in York!

Whey bonnie laad, akorrdin t'the torms of contract wi' the Metro, like,
bikes are a definite no-no, unless a folder and hasta be folded.

"For safety reasons, and for the comfort of customers, we have to restrict
the amount and type of luggage and possessions that you can take with you

on

Quoted message said:

Metro. You may, at the discretion of staff, take with you the following
items provided they do not cause an obstruction, and are not put on seats:

personal luggage
pushchairs and buggies
prams
folding bicycles (fully folded)
any other item provided that it is not dangerous or likely to injure

anyone

Quoted message said:

You may not take:
bicycles (including unfolded folding bicycles)
any item that is more than 2 metres long
hazardous or inflammable substances
any item which you are unable to carry yourself (including up and down
stairways and escalators)

We can refuse permission for you to take any item on to a Metro. If you

are

Quoted message said:

in any doubt over a particular item, please contact Metro."

See

<http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/resources/file/eb9cf10a487a332/Metro%20Cond
itions%20of%20Carriage.pdf>

Quoted message said:

or

http://makeashorterlink.com/?D33C51E1E

Cheors, helen s

This is why trams are no good for an integrated transport policy that
includes bikes.

--
David Lloyd,
The pub is responsible for my opinions.

"Alistair Gunn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What's the Newcastle Metro like when it comes to transporting bicycles?
Specifically in non-peak situations. With a bit of luck I'm doing both
the Walney to Wear and Coast-2-Coast (back to back) in a couple of weeks
and, using the Metro is one option that www.nationalrail.co.uk is
throwing up.

(Googling has thrown up anything positive or negative, so I thought I'd
ask the collective wisdom!)

Of course, I'll also have to hope that the guard on GNER doesn't throw a
wobbly when I try and load my recumbent onto the train in York!
--
These opinions might not even be mine ...
Let alone connected with my employer ...

The Metro don't allow bikes.

I disagree with their policy because when the service started in 1980 there
were no notices to the effect that conveying bikes was going to be
terminated when the Metro commenced.

Since the Metro now operate the only services to Brockley Whins, East Boldon
and Seaburn, former BR stations there was no publicity either at these
stations informing punters that when the Metro took over they would no
longer accept bikes.

When people attempt to take bikes on Metros the driver normally announces
that the Metro will not move until the bike is taken off.

If you remove the front wheel it is no longer a bicycle so you should get
away with it.

Iain

Alistair Gunn said:

What's the Newcastle Metro like when it comes to transporting bicycles?
Specifically in non-peak situations. With a bit of luck I'm doing both
the Walney to Wear and Coast-2-Coast (back to back) in a couple of weeks
and, using the Metro is one option that www.nationalrail.co.uk is
throwing up.

The Tyne and Wear Metro site [1] says:

<quote>

Folding bikes are the only type of bike allowed on Metro but they must
be fully folded whilst on Metro property.

</quote>

Quoted message said:

Of course, I'll also have to hope that the guard on GNER doesn't throw a
wobbly when I try and load my recumbent onto the train in York!

I'm afraid they will. From the GNER site:

<quote>

We do not carry motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, motorised cycles,
rann trailers, tricycles or recumbents.

</quote>

HTH,

Barry

[1] <http://www.tyneandwearmetro.co.uk/]

Folding bykes only (pun intended).

The only alternative is the hourly Northern service between Sunderland and
Newcastle, assuming that's the trip you need to make.

--
King B Boogaloo
http://europeanrailways.fotopic.net/
Any views or opinions expressed and presented are not those of the author
and do not represent those of his employers, they belong to the voices in
his head.

See:
http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Metro/Other+information/Metro+-+Other+information+-+Dogs+and+bikes

--
King B Boogaloo
http://europeanrailways.fotopic.net/
Any views or opinions expressed and presented are not those of the author
and do not represent those of his employers, they belong to the voices in
his head.

"Alistair Gunn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What's the Newcastle Metro like when it comes to transporting bicycles?
Specifically in non-peak situations. With a bit of luck I'm doing both
the Walney to Wear and Coast-2-Coast (back to back) in a couple of weeks
and, using the Metro is one option that www.nationalrail.co.uk is
throwing up.

(Googling has thrown up anything positive or negative, so I thought I'd
ask the collective wisdom!)

should be OK off peak. Metro gets very crowded during the peak.

Try the Nexus web site - they run T & W Metro
www.nexus.org.uk

Roger C

David Lloyd said:

This is why trams are no good for an integrated transport policy that
includes bikes.

The "safety issue" is a complete fallacy, as the system is very similar
to the Hamburg U-Bahn which does permit bicycles. As, for that matter,
does the new RandstadRail system in Den Haag/Rotterdam, which is
basically a tram-train hybrid on almost exactly the same basis as
Manchester Metrolink. The vehicles are, I think, an Alstom job, but
are very similar to the Croydon ones.

It would be very easy to make provision for bicycles to be carried in
trams. And, for that matter, buses; in Hamburg you can take a bike on
most city buses (though to actually see someone do it is very rare -
it's more a rescue facility). You just stick it in the wheelchair/pram
"slot".

Neil

Alistair Gunn said:

What's the Newcastle Metro like when it comes to transporting bicycles?
Specifically in non-peak situations. With a bit of luck I'm doing both
the Walney to Wear and Coast-2-Coast (back to back) in a couple of weeks
and, using the Metro is one option that www.nationalrail.co.uk is
throwing up.

(Googling has thrown up anything positive or negative, so I thought I'd
ask the collective wisdom!)

Of course, I'll also have to hope that the guard on GNER doesn't throw a
wobbly when I try and load my recumbent onto the train in York!

Coming back from the airport on a fairly quiet Sunday service the driver
asked someone with a bike to get off the train.

The website doesn't really give much info, although it does refer to a
list of stations with cycle lockers.

"David Lloyd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

This is why trams are no good for an integrated transport policy that
includes bikes.

--
David Lloyd,
The pub is responsible for my opinions.

personally I think it's more to do with overzealous regulation & lack of
understandfing about bikes. When I was in Cologne, many people brought bikes
on to the trams there.

"Neil Williams" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

David Lloyd said:

This is why trams are no good for an integrated transport policy that
includes bikes.

The "safety issue" is a complete fallacy, as the system is very similar
to the Hamburg U-Bahn which does permit bicycles. As, for that matter,
does the new RandstadRail system in Den Haag/Rotterdam, which is
basically a tram-train hybrid on almost exactly the same basis as
Manchester Metrolink. The vehicles are, I think, an Alstom job, but
are very similar to the Croydon ones.

It would be very easy to make provision for bicycles to be carried in
trams. And, for that matter, buses; in Hamburg you can take a bike on
most city buses (though to actually see someone do it is very rare -
it's more a rescue facility). You just stick it in the wheelchair/pram
"slot".

Neil

So, as with most things that are banned/restricted/not provided for in this
country, it is a question of anti-bicycle mind-sets rather than physical
impossibilities.

Thanks for the comparison.
--
David Lloyd,
The pub is responsible for my opinions.

"Neil Williams" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

David Lloyd said:

This is why trams are no good for an integrated transport policy that
includes bikes.

The "safety issue" is a complete fallacy, as the system is very similar
to the Hamburg U-Bahn which does permit bicycles. As, for that matter,
does the new RandstadRail system in Den Haag/Rotterdam, which is
basically a tram-train hybrid on almost exactly the same basis as
Manchester Metrolink.

I come from Bury which is the north end of the Manchester Metrolink. This
replaced the train service from Bury to Manchester, the trains on which were
old and decrepit, and I don't think you could take bike on them at that
time. As far as I can figure, the only way to take a bike on a mainline
train journey is to either ride it down to Manchester or get a lift there by
car, as Bury is isolated from standard rail services by the Metrolink. I
think the same can be said for Altrincham. /Not/ integrated.

--
David Lloyd,
The pub is responsible for my opinions.

"David Lloyd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I come from Bury which is the north end of the Manchester Metrolink. This
replaced the train service from Bury to Manchester, the trains on which
were
old and decrepit, and I don't think you could take bike on them at that
time. As far as I can figure, the only way to take a bike on a mainline
train journey is to either ride it down to Manchester or get a lift there
by
car, as Bury is isolated from standard rail services by the Metrolink. I
think the same can be said for Altrincham. /Not/ integrated.

The joys of integrated transport. When I was a lass in Geordieland, back in
the dim recesses of pre-history, the Metro was brand new. Run by Tyne & Wear
Passenger Transport - local authority effectively. It was *wonderful*. Very
clean. Very reasonably priced - one ticket for the entire journey which
could include bus & Metro. Frequent services - walk out of the Metro station
and never have to wait more then a few minutes for a bus. Then dear old
Maggie (spit, throw salt over shoulder, wave garlic about, make sign of the
cross) got in and proceeded to break up the local government (got rid of
Tyne & Wear County Council and the other Metropolitan CCs because she hated
Ken Livingstone) and deregulate public transport - integration went out of
the window then and there. Haven't been up to the ancestral stomping grounds
in a situation to use PT for many a long year - I wonder what it's like on a
day-to-day basis now.