As we rapidly approach summer, and more people decide it’s a good excuse as any to get their lycra out for a bike ride, Edinburgh Trams have reminded would-be cyclists just how they should ride when around the trams.
Their safety message includes:
- Cycle lanes – when available they should be used
- Crossing the tracks – use designated crossing areas while near off-road sections of the line. When you do cross the tracks do so at a 90-degree angle, to minimise the chances of wheels getting caught in the rails. Take extra care when its wet as the rails do get slippery in the rain.
- Cycling near the tram path – trams are wider than the tracks they run on so make sure you give them plenty of room. Don’t wear headphones when cycling.
Ross Bennie-Crawford, Edinburgh Trams’ Assistant Safety Manager, said: “As an organisation, we’re committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety across all of our operations. Over the years, we’ve highlighted measures that cyclists can take to ensure their safety near the tramway, as well as training our drivers to be highly aware of pedestrians and other road users.
“As the city gets busier over the summer, we wanted to remind cyclists of these safety measures, so we can all continue to share the road space responsibly.”
And if you go for a bike ride and then feel like coming back by tram you should remember that although two bikes can usually be carried on each tram, this is suspended during the busy August period when trams are at fuller capacity.