CALLS have been made for better bike provision on the new Borders Railway.

It was confirmed last week by Transport Minister Derek Mackay that the initial two-bike policy for each train was to remain.

Local business and tourist organisations had called for more cycle carriage space following last year’s announcement.

And the Scottish Green party has led political canvassing for more cycle space on carriages.

Alison Johnstone MSP, who co-convenes Holyrood’s cross-party group on cycling, said: “Leisure cycling and mountain biking are rapidly growing activities worth tens of millions to the Borders economy, and yet this major public transport project will completely fail to match this with increased capacity.

“Other countries are way ahead of us with bike carriages carrying dozens of bikes, and even some older Highland trains take at least six bikes.

“Hiring a bike at the other end might work for some people, but I know lots of enthusiasts will want to take their own, much-loved bikes with them.

“I can see families considering a cycling holiday in the Borders giving the area a miss if they’re unable to take their own bikes by rail. I urge Abellio to scale up their ambition before September.” Operator Abellio’s strategy in the Netherlands has been to invest in storage at stations and encourage passengers to maintain a second bike at destination stations.

They have confirmed that the current on train cycle policy for the new Borders Railway, of at least two cycle spaces per train, will be preserved.

In addition Abellio will ensure that all on-train staff involved are briefed on cycle capacity procedures and how to provide additional ad-hoc spaces where conditions allow.

Abellio’s overall strategy in the Netherlands has been to reduce the pressure on cycle spaces on board trains by investing in better storage facilities at stations and encouraging regular cyclists to either join their Bike & Go scheme for their onward journeys or maintain a second bike at their destination stations.

Pauline Stewart, Scottish Green Party candidate for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, told us: “Considering that we expect the train line to have a very positive effect on increasing tourism to the region which boasts some of the best downhill and cross country mountain biking courses in Europe the proposed two bike restriction on these trains is incredibly short sighted. “The majority of mountain bikers who come to the area to utilise these world class routes or indeed to compete here will be very disappointed to hear that they are expected to hire bikes at their destination.” Trains have yet to be allocated for the new Borders Railway, which will start operating in September.

And there is a chance that further provision for bikes may be added.

Transport minister Derek Mackay added: “Depending on the trains allocated to Borders services there may be more than two spaces available for passenger usage but this cannot be confirmed at this time.

“Abellio are working to finalise rolling stock which will be allocated to all services, including those serving Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.”