In 2009, the government planned to inject £14m to improve cycle parking facilities at railway stations across the UK. One year into the two year project and positive results are showing already it has been reported.
The scheme was announced by transport secretary Lord Andrew Adonis, to encourage commuters to ditch their cars and use their bikes to travel to stations and then catch a train.
The improvements include ten 'hubs' at key railway stations across the country at a cost of £5m, the cycle ‘hubs’ will offer extra cycle storage facilities, repair services, bicycle hire and improved cycle access to and from stations. The first ‘hub’ of which will open at Leeds this year. Another £3m is allocated to provide more than 4,500 additional cycle park spaces at nearly 350 stations across England.
Finally, £2m has been promised to improve cycle access at rail stations to ensure that bike users can get to and from stations conveniently and safely, and to improve cycle facilities across the rail network as opportunities are identified.
The number of people jumping onto their bikes to get to the train station each day has tripled in the last two years. ATOC found that “there are up to an estimated 28million cycle/rail journeys a year made by someone who has cycled to the station – the equivalent of an average of 77,000 journeys a day.” As train companies continue to carry out major improvements to stations, these numbers are expected to rise even further
Lord Adonis told National Business Travel Network (NBTN): "This will tackle congestion, promote rail travel and help people develop healthier lifestyles and protect the environment."
Do you use the train to get to A to B? Have you thought about cycle to the train station? Add yourself to the growing number of people who use this mode of transport…
If you want to find out about a Bike Scheme for your company please call Cycle Solutions at 0845 279 9970 or email info@cyclesolutions.co.uk