Article: Angry cyclists win train backflip

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Angry cyclists win train backflip

Angry cyclists win train backflip
Article from: AAP

February 15, 2008 11:56am

THE Victorian Government will spend $1 million on 20 new bicycle cages at railway stations as it moves to placate cyclists over its bungled ban on bikes on public transport.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky today reversed the ban in an embarrassing backflip, following uproar from cyclists.

The bike ban was introduced on peak hour trains six weeks ago, but Ms Kosky later ordered a review when she learned her department had not adequately consulted on the changes.

Under the new arrangements, bikes will be allowed on all metropolitan and regional V/Line train services.

But they will be restricted to the last carriage while Connex works towards possibly modifying carriages to make them more cyclist friendly.

In a further win for cyclists, fold-up bikes will be allowed on all Melbourne trains, trams and buses from April 1.

The Government will also invest $1 million on 20 new bicycle cages at railway stations to reduce congestion on trains.

"Hindsight's always a wonderful thing and I think as a politician we need to be able to use hindsight to say maybe we didn't get it quite right and there's a way of moving forward," Ms Kosky said.

"I've been able to work with all of the cycling groups. I think what we have in place now is better than what we had prior to the ban being announced - much better."