§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what policies are being pursued by the Government to encourage cycling; and if he will make a statement. [3049]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 3 June,Official Report, column 165: to the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane).
§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will meet the Rail Regulator to discuss whether adequate provision for the transport of cycles should be added to the obligations of train operators; and if he will make a statement. [3048]
§ Ms JacksonThe provision of capacity for the carriage of bicycles is a matter for the Franchising Director. Franchise operators are required by their Franchise Agreements to ensure that facilities are made available for the carriage of cycles on trains, so far as is reasonably practicable and subject to the availability of appropriate space on their rolling stock.
The Government are keen to see proper facilities for cyclists who wish to use the railway. We are currently reviewing the Franchising Director's Objectives, Instructions and Guidance. As part of our review, we will be considering what action the Franchising Director should take to encourage increased carriage of cycles on trains.