Network Rail is urging passengers to avoid using the trains if at all possible during the bank holiday weekend as people head to the beaches during the warmer weather.
With train services already reduced, and social distancing rules in place, capacity in the network is said to be down 90% in real terms, while bike sales have surged in recent days.
Temperatures have exceeded 20c around the country since Wednesday, and there is concern that larger volumes of passenger traffic could pose a risk to public health. This is amplified by the fact that people are heading to coastal areas such as Brighton, Bournemouth and Hastings for day-trips and sunbathing at the beaches.
However, despite the need to keep train traffic down, the rise in bike usage could be leading a national trend, moving many away from public transport altogether. The uptake in bike usage will be especially welcomed by environmental activists keen to see carbon emissions reduced rather than going back up as the economy unlocks.
Could bike usage be the way forward for local and regional tourism?
As the UK economy shows signs of cooling and the job market becomes more competitive,…
In a bid to tackle regional disparities and foster community development, Cumbria Community Foundation has…
The narrative surrounding the UK economy in the face of Brexit and global headwinds has…