Panniers on Bikes

Fluke · Post by **Fluke** » 01 Oct 2008, 21:26

Can anyone tell me the rules regarding using panniers on pushbikes. I was under the impression that they were supposed to only be used to carry waterproofs ect, and that no mail was to be carried or left unattended in them.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 01 Oct 2008, 21:53

From the Unions Lighten the Loads booklet (available in downloads) it says:

Cycle Deliveries
Before using a cycle, carry out the daily safety check and report any faults. All cycles should
have a next service label or tag displayed on them. Cycle mechanics must have sufficient
time and resources to maintain the cycles to the correct safety maintenance schedule. Staff
must carry one pouch in the rack only plus additional mail in panniers if fitted. (16kg Pouch,
8kg per pannier). Cycle Delivery Staff must wear their cycle helmet and high visibility Jacket
which are compulsory.

brothermagrew · Post by **brothermagrew** » 01 Oct 2008, 22:01

Fluke wrote:Can anyone tell me the rules regarding using panniers on pushbikes. I was under the impression that they were supposed to only be used to carry waterproofs ect, and that no mail was to be carried or left unattended in them.

brother Fluke also check out the postings under the Health and Safety forum with regards to bike panniers.

pad · Post by **pad** » 03 Oct 2008, 22:33

I had an interesting conversation with the Area Security Advisor a year ago over this (before Security of Mail was on most operational Managers agenda). He showed me the advice given to ops Managers on what was secure. Interestingly a pouch left on the front of a cycle wasn't secure. (Potential Dismissal etc.) BUT panniers (Plastic clip and all) were secure. Being cynical I suspect that this was a get-out to allow us to use Panniers and avoid complex arguments with line managers/DOM's over such things as secure Pouch drops........and also make sure each cycle was loaded to the max. This might have changed but might be worth asking.

smokerjim · Post by **smokerjim** » 04 Oct 2008, 13:59

When I've used a bike I will not put 16kgs on the rack / tray - I find the bike too unstable, especially as the DO is at the top of a steep hill & going down it with a full rack, the bars wobble badly if you take one hand off ( ie, to signal a turn ), so I fill my pouch with 16kgs, then walk out and put 1 bundle and most packets in each pannier and have my first 2 bundles in my pouch on the rack.