Train operator Northern Spirit has come under fire from MP Chris Leslie and a cycling pressure group for failing to do enough to accommodate 'two-wheeled' passengers.

The company says each of its trains have space for two bikes - booked in advance.

But cycling groups have condemned the inflexibility of the system which makes it difficult for families and groups of more than two to plan days out.

And Chris Leslie says the company should do more to promote 'integrated' public transport.

Bradford cyclist Pete Latarche, chairman of the Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC) said: "We are very worried about Northern Spirit's changes in rolling stock and the implications for getting bikes on.

"The design of a lot of the trains means you are in everybody's way all the time, it's very difficult, especially during the rush hour.

"In terms of the Integrated Transport Strategy White Paper, the ease with which you can intermix your modes of transport is critical."

Chris Leslie, Labour MP for Shipley and chairman of the Aire Valley Public Transport Commission, said: "The problem with the Airedale and Wharfedale line trains is that the rolling stock is so old and poor it is difficult and awkward to get bikes on and off. When we get the new rolling stock I hope Northern Spirit's policy can change. We got a man on the moon so if we can't get a bike on a train in the year 2000, heaven help us."

Howard Keal, spokesman for Northern Spirit, said each of the 1,600 trains run throughout the region every day could accommodate two bikes each, which meant the network had a capacity for 3,200 bike journeys each day.

In fact less than one per cent of these were taken up.

"We feel we have got the balance right in terms of space on our trains for seats and space for bikes," he added.

Groups of three or more cyclists would have to travel separately, he added.

lSpace for bikes can be reserved on Bradford-Leeds trains and Trans-Pennine services by ringing customer services on 0870 6023322. On the Wharfedale line and Airedale line, up to two bikes can be taken on board each train on a 'turn up and go' basis.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.