Commuters encouraged to get on their bikes

Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis has launched a £14 million package to transform facilities for cyclists at rail stations and make it easier for commuters to use their bikes and trains for their journey to and from work.

Over the next two years a series of measures, including 'Cycle Hubs' at ten major rail stations and 10,000 extra cycle parking spaces across the country will be introduced by Government, Network Rail, Cycling England and train operators. The new cycle hubs will include extra cycle storage facilities, repair services, hire schemes and improved cycle access to and from the stations.

In a recent Department for Transport survey, 23% rated the public transport provided to their local train station as "poor".

Andrew Adonis said: "More and more people are turning to cycling as a healthy, green and convenient way to travel - I want to encourage this choice.

"Although half of us own a bike and 60% live just 15 minutes from a train station, only 2% of train passengers travel to the station by bike. This is in contrast to Holland where cycling accounts for a third of all trips to and from the station.

"The aim of the programmes announced today is to boost the significant number of people cycling to catch their train. This will tackle congestion, promote rail travel and help people develop healthier lifestyles and protect the environment."