People have welcomed the news that dogs are set to be allowed on trams permanently in Greater Manchester, but many have asked: "What about bikes?" Pet dogs have been allowed to travel on Metrolink trams since the summer as part of a trial which was due to end in October but was extended.
This week, councillors will make a final decision on whether to make the move permanent with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) saying they should. It comes after Andy Burnham committed to trialling dogs and bikes on trams during his campaign to be re-elected Greater Manchester mayor in May 2021.
Almost 80 pc who took part in an online survey - which received more than 3,500 responses - agreed that dogs should continue to be allowed on trams. Of those who do not own a dog, only 50 pc were in favour while the most frequent travellers tended to be less in favour, although still mostly agreed.
READ MORE: Dogs set to be allowed on Metrolink trams permanently after trial deemed success
Some people have shared their views about the new policy on social media, describing the move as 'positive', 'fantastic' and 'wonderful', while others have raised concerns about allergies, cleanliness and dogs becoming aggressive.
Commenting on Facebook, Michaela Primett said: "Positive news! Bringing Manchester into the 21st Century."
Sue Coppock-Grun said: "In London dogs are allowed on public transport so why not on trams [sic]."
While Gaynor Hargreave said: "That's fine as long as dry outside, when a dog is wet it's natural to shake its coat and it smells and hair flying everywhere [sic]."
However, some have asked when bicycles will be allowed on Metrolink trams. Last summer, Mr Burnham said he was 'firmly committed' to a trial of bikes on trams after a cycling campaigner was told that the pilot had been scrapped.
It comes after the mayor made an election manifesto pledge in May 2021 to hold pilot schemes allowing bikes on board Metrolink trams as well as one for dogs. But when Steve Bowater from the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign contacted the mayor's office, he was told it would be too costly.
The response, which was signed on Mr Burnham's behalf, said the move would require modifying trams and platforms and removing some carriage space. But the mayor's office later said that this email had been sent out 'in error'.
In August, Mr Burnham said he remained 'firmly committed' to trialling bikes on trams. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is now preparing plans for a pilot allowing for bikes on board trams, although no date has been set yet.
A TfGM spokesperson said: "A review into the safety and practicalities of a pilot carrying bikes and adapt bikes on Metrolink will be carried out this year."
However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that the pilot for non-folding bikes on trams will not necessarily take place later this year.
Read more of today's top stories here.
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