Manchester tram boss warns cyclists not to hitch rides

Footage of a Manchester cyclist grabbing hold of one of the city’s trams so as to hitch a ride has led Metrolink Director Peter Cushing to warn locals that such a practice is exceptionally dangerous. Branding the behaviour ‘mindless’ he has asked passengers to report any such incident to the driver.

The Manchester Evening News has published the video in which an unidentified man catches hold of a tram setting off from the Droylsden stop before being towed along at increasing speed to Audenshaw. At this point, he peels off and continues along the main road as the tram pulls into the stop.

As he skims past parked cars, the tram passenger who is shooting the footage is heard to refer to him as a ‘madman’.

After seeing the video, Cushing said:

“This type of behaviour is not only mindless, it is exceptionally dangerous and could very easily lead to a serious injury or a life threatening accident – as well as jeopardising other road users’ safety.

“I would ask any passengers who spot this type of activity to report it to the driver immediately and urge any cyclists considering such a foolish course of action to think very seriously about the potential outcome.”

Droylsden is one stop along from Cemetery Road which has gained a reputation as being an especially treacherous spot for those on bikes. Solicitors are currently representing a number of cyclists who have fallen there at the point at which the tram tracks veer towards a siding.