The latest move to improve the provision for bikes on trains comes from Labour MP Emily Thornberry.

The MP for Islington South and Finsbury has tabled a House of Commons motion calling for the Department for Transport and Network Rail to set minimum standards for bike carriage when awarding rail franchises.

Emily is chair of the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group. She cycles to work and is campaigning for safer and better provision for cyclists.

Campaigners are now being asked to lobby their local MPs to sign the motion (Early Day Motion 1468).

The full text of the motion is as follows:

EDM 1468. BIKE AND RAIL INTEGRATION. 24.01.2006.

That this House notes that individual railway companies have different policies towards cycling and that provision for cyclists at railway stations and on trains is patchy at best but generally remains completely inadequate; further notes that the winding up of the Strategic Rail Authority and the transfer of authority to the Department for Transport provides an excellent opportunity for ministers to issue minimum standards to railway franchises and Network Rail to improve provision for bicycles on trains and at railway stations; and believes that bicycle and rail transport should be integrated and promoted to provide a seamless and environmentally sound `doorstep to destination' alternative to car travel.

For more information about bikes on trains see www.railfuture.org.uk

For more information about Emily Thornberry's campaigning for cyclists see www.epolitix.com