Put your bike on (or behind?) the bus
Remember the Chew Valley Explorer Bus and its non-functional cycle racks? As a member of the Partnership running this service, I've been very keen we find a better way to carry bikes into the Mendips - preferably more than two at a time! Now that an experienced researcher is working on this, we also need the views of potential passengers. Interviewing people after the Big Bike Ride on June 15th I found almost overwhelming support for the idea, with riders keen to get out in the country, possibly with their children, without having to cycle out (and back) through the city every time.
At the moment we are researching trailers, on-bus transport, even perhaps a separate van to carry bikes - as parts of the route are very narrow for a trailer. (At present, a bus may have to reverse if it faces a large vehicle coming the other way.) Initially we would hope to run the service on summer Sundays only, leaving Bristol at about 9.00 or 10.30. The existing route goes via Dundry, Chew Magna, Bishop Sutton, West Harptree, Compton Martin, Ubley, Blagdon, Burrington Combe, Charterhouse and on to Cheddar, though some route changes are possible, if a trailer were the chosen method. Returns from Cheddar would probably run at 14.40, 16.40 and 18.20. We would mount a widespread promotion campaign, once plans are finalised.
Have you used similar services elsewhere? Would you use this one? Do you have any ideas or suggestions? (Please don't include the one about US buses carrying bikes on the front - unless you want to take on UK legislation which prohibits this!)
Please phone me on 01275 393837 (working hours) or email: Helen@community-action.org.uk
Also if you want to have your say on proposed timetable changes, you can get a consultation form with freepost return on the bus during July, or from Bath and North East Somerset Council's office, on 01225 477604.
Helen Gamsa
