CYCLE CARRIAGE ON BUSES: THE DEVON BIKE BUS
The Devon Bike Bus was first introduced in 1994 with the following key aims:
- To offer a sustainable alternative to car borne access to a popular tourist trail
- To integrate cycling / walking with public transport
- To allow better use of a linear cycle route
Key stages in its development were:
- 1994: bus purchased and converted to carry 6 bikes internally with funding from the Countryside Commission (now Countryside Agency). In service mid-summer
- 1995: In service, but little fanfare
- 1996: Second bus. Both vehicles converted to carry 8 bikes
- 1997: No service as no revenue funding
- 1998: Reinstated due to popular demand. Marketing weak
- 1999: Two year contract agreed. Full branding and marketing. Wins National Cycle Award.
- 2000: Contract ended in September
- 2001: Scheme discontinued due to lack of funding. New ideas being developed.
9700 at Exeter
Occasionally things went wrong !
A new concept in cycle carriage on a modified Bike Bus service will commence in 2001, based on the following approach:
- Establishing cycle carriage on two regular existing services between
- Most vehicles to be used will be modern low floor accessible buses. Will carry 2 on rear
- racks plus, at driver’s discretion, 2 inside in flexible space
- CCTV on rear
- Route parallels NCN 27 (
- Will operate 7 days a week
- Expect to start operation autumn 2001
- Other routes identified for cycle carriage in 2002
- Aim is to normalise cycle carriage on buses
The first "Bike Bus" has survived and is now in presrvation with Colin Billington.
The secon "Bike Bus" has also been preserved.
