IN relation to the letter about how cyclists will be affected by the Wirral loop line track renewal programme due to begin early in the new year, allow me to explain how we intend to ensure that this important group of passengers can continue travelling throughout the process.

Spanning six months, it is a complex but essential piece of work, and Merseyrail, along with partners Merseytravel and Network Rail, have endeavoured to put in place the best possible alternative travel arrangements in order to minimise disruption.

In light of recent conversations with the cycling community, we have decided to run an hourly dedicated bike-bus between Birkenhead and Liverpool.

Available for customers travelling with a bike, it will operate when required during all three phases of the work from early in the morning till late at night. Capacity will be limited and operate on a first come first served basis. More details can be found on the Merseyrail website and we will publish the timetable over the coming weeks.

The Mersey Ferries remain the best option for cyclists and many others who would like to cross the river. Valid cross-river rail tickets can be used on these services throughout the work.

At peak times on weekdays, there are three crossings per hour between Seacombe and Pier Head and one every hour between the peaks and at weekends. Cyclists can also leave bikes at a station with secure cycle shelters, which have been installed at the majority of our stations.

Finally, Bike & Go, Merseyrail’s cycle hire scheme, will be offering half price annual subscriptions and free rentals from Moorfields station during phase one and phase three of the renewals work programme.

We are committed to keeping cyclists up to speed on any further developments that will affect them.

Arrangements will be monitored throughout the work and could change again, so please check merseyrail.org/trackrenewal regularly.

Jan Chaudhry, Managing director, Merseyrail.