Pedals has been much involved in discussions on a range of matters to do
with the implications of the NET for cyclists ever since planning for
Nottingham's new trams first started in the early 1990s, to help ensure that the detailed planning of the NET both minimised possible problems for
cyclists (e.g. when the tram runs on narrow roads) and maximises the
opportunities to help cyclists (e.g. through safe-angled crossings of the
tram tracks and, where possible, new cycle facilities alongside the tram
routes and including cycle lanes, cycle paths and cycle parking at tram
stops).

In the run-up to the opening of NET Line One (Nottingham Station to
Hucknall) in March 2004 Pedals worked with the NET Project Team to produce a leaflet giving detailed advice on how cyclists should cope with tram tracks and detailing alternative cycle routes (e.g. in the Arboretum / Forest
Fields / Hyson Green area) and cycle parking. This is available here.

At about the time that we knew for certain that the NET would be going
ahead, i.e. in 2001, Pedals campaigned for an experiment to allow bikes to
be carried on trams, but this in the end was not successful. As a result the
NET does not allow cyclists to take their bicycles onto the Trams (except
for folding bikes). The position is the same on all trams in the UK, despite
increasing provision for bikes on trams in several other countries,
particularly in Continental Europe.

We still would like to see some more general cycle access permitted, at
least outside peak periods and subject to other conditions, but this remains
a long-term aim, partly dependent on the success of similar campaigns by
other cycle campaigners in cities with new or proposed trams, e.g.
Sheffield, Manchester and Edinburgh.

To see more details about cyclists and the NET on the NET website click here.

We have already been much involved in detailed discussions about the
implications for cyclists of the two NET extension line proposals, to
Beeston and Chilwell, and to Wilford and Clifton. We took part in the Public
Inquiry into these plans in the Autumn of 2007. The Pedals policy document
for the NET Phase 2 expansion, prepared for that Inquiry, can be found on policy documents page.