HC Deb 16 July 1997 vol 298 c225W
Mr. Colvin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received in respect of the provision of carriage of cycles on trains; and if he will make a statement. [8502]

Ms Glenda Jackson

I have received 36 representations about the carriage of bicycles on trains.

The Government are encouraging operators to improve provision for the carriage of cycles on trains. Some operators have implemented or propose improvements in respect of their services. The Government welcome these initiatives.

Mr. Colvin

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he is making in encouraging rail operators to adopt the code of practice, "Providing for Cyclists"; and if he will make a statement. [8534]

Ms Jackson

The Government are continuing to encourage rail operators to adopt the voluntary code of practice, "Providing for Cyclists", which has been developed by the cyclists' Public Affairs Group, the Cyclists' Touring Club and Sustrans, which I was delighted to have the opportunity to launch in June. Anglia Railways has been awarded the Cycle Mark under the code of practice for its Bikes on Trains initiative. A number of other operators are also making improvements in facilities for cyclists who wish to take their cycle on the train or park it at the station. We welcome these developments.