http://lothianbuses.com/news/2-general-news/1065-lothian-buses-accessibility-review.html
With the newest (and longer) buses having a greater amount of 'flexible' space on the lower deck, it is good to note that buggies can now be taken on unfolded, and presumably this also makes it less of a hassle taking a folded bike on board.
Time perhaps to review (along with Edinburgh Cabs) the options of carrying non folded cycles both when these are in effect a Class 1 Invalid Carriage, for a person who meets the criteria to qualify as an invalid carriage user, and to equally consider carrying cycles generally on night services - given the indications from a London cyclists survey where 38% of women said they would cycle more if the option of getting a cab home with their bike late at night was available.
Should we try a poll If you could put your bike on a bus (or in a cab) when conditions prevent or deter you from cycling would you use your bike more?
Would you use this for breakdown recovery?
Would you use this to avoid a long or unpleasant ride?
Is there a particular road/route you have in mind?
Would you use this facility to travel late at night/early morning?
Are there routes you have in mind?
If using a bus would you pay a supplemental fare for the bike if this guaranteed completion of the trip?
(supplemental fares would balance against the cost of a taxi or other means to complete a journey if the space was required for other users).
How often would you use a facility to put your bike on a bus?
Would this be for late/early journeys?
Would this be for 'breakdown' (including the rider)?
For cabs in particular I'm keen to see how the facility to put bikes in a cab can be rolled out as an accepted practice - there is a development for London in the pipeline which could be very interesting and could be sponsored for other locations like Edinburgh & Glasgow. (the current 'success rate' for the 20% of London cyclists who do occasionally put bikes in cabs is 75% - 1 in 4 refused)
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