Although many light-rail systems are operating or being planned for various British cities, relatively little consideration has been given to the needs of cyclists other than safety. With the increasing recognition of cycling as a valid and sustainable transport mode, light rail planners are beginning to see the value of accommodating the needs of cyclists, but no guidelines have yet been produced to help light rail planners and operators to cooperate with cyclists. Light rail and pedal cycles should form complementary parts of a sustainable transport strategy, but there are many obstacles, mainly attitudinal rather than technical. Elements of good practice, with illustrative examples from actual light rail schemes in the UK and the Continent of Europe, are described for: (1) the sharing of road space between bicycles and street-running trams and space on off-road corridors; (2) the carriage of bicycles on longer-distance and higher-speed systems; (3) cycle parking in association with light rail stops; and (4) marketing and publicity. Cycling and public transport need to work together to provide an alternative for much of today's car travel; cyclists' organisations should be involved in the planning of light rail systems from the outset, because they are local experts on cyclists' needs.
Abstract