Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD RAISES BIKE CAPACITY ISSUES FROM ABERDEEN AND INVERNESS WITH RAIL BOSSES

Moray’s Member of the Scottish Parliament, Richard Lochhead, has written to Scotrail and Transport Scotland bosses this week raising concerns about a report published by cycling campaign group Spokes which highlights the problems in transporting bikes from Aberdeen and Inverness to the central belt.

The report highlights that currently nearly all ScotRail trains between Edinburgh or Glasgow and Inverness have four official bike spaces.  However Spokes now believe that this could be reduced with some services only being able to cater for two bicycles instead of four.  This is despite Scotrail Abellio having promised improvements in 2018/19 with the introduction of refurbished trains.

The report also reveals that several former toilets are to be locked away with the space used to carry nothing but air.

Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are extremely alarmed by the reports that there could be a reduction in the number of spaces available for bikes on trains. 

“As a keen cyclist myself I understand these concerns and that is why I have written to Scotrail and Transport Scotland to ensure that this will not happen.

“Many people in Moray take their bikes on trains either for commuting to work or for going on holidays.  I know that, particularly in the summer time, there is difficulty in getting bikes stored on trains as it is therefore it’s important that this capacity is not reduced but rather enhanced.

“We also have a wonderful outdoor activity lifestyle in Moray and this can be used to attract visitors to the area.  Therefore it’s extremely important for Moray’s tourism industry that there is good capacity on trains for people to take their bikes to Moray and enjoy the variety of cycle trails and wonderful outdoors here.

“I hope that Scotrail and Transport Scotland take these concerns on board and ensure that tourists and commuters can continue getting their bikes on board.”

A link to the report by Spokes can be found here: http://www.spokes.org.uk/2017/04/save-the-highland-bike-rail-dream/