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Network Rail and Cycling UK partner to encourage uptake of cycling

Posted: 3 August 2020 |

The partnership will offer tips and advice to those new to cycling, as well as provide information regarding bike storage and cycling routes.

Network Rail and Cycling UK partner to encourage uptake of cycling

Network Rail has partnered with charity Cycling UK on a new initiative to help people take up cycling as a new means of travel and commuting.

The partnership follows the announcement of how £2 billion will be spent to improve cycling and cycling standards across the UK, as well as a new YouGov study, commissioned by Network Rail, which revealed that a fifth (20 per cent) of people are now likely to consider cycling as part of their journey to work. However, the study also revealed that people are hesitant due to a number of barriers:

  • 49 per cent said they are worried about cycling on busy roads (which increased to 55 per cent for Londoners)
  • 22 per cent are concerned their bike will get stolen or damaged
  • 15 per cent are worried there will not be enough available bike storage at or near their place of work.

In a bid to alleviate some of these concerns, Network Rail and Cycling UK will offer tips on where people can park their bikes at stations, information on safer routes on quieter roads and access to an interactive journey planner to help plot a cycle-friendly route from each station.

Network Rail and Cycling UK will provide information across each station and on their website about the availability of bike storage space and how to use these units safely and securely to avoid bikes being stolen or damaged.

David Biggs, Managing Director, Network Rail Property, said: “With more people taking up cycling and considering using it as part of their journey back to the workplace, we wanted to let them know that our stations offer lots of convenient storage space for them to leave their bikes.

“We’re working with Cycling UK to help promote sustainable, healthy travel, by offering useful and practical advice to new cyclists and help overcome some of the common barriers to cycling.”

Jenny Box, Head of Behaviour Change – England, Cycling UK, added: “Cycling is one of the best ways to make your short essential journeys, such as riding to the station or shops. It’s fun, free, good for you and an easy way to maintain social distancing while still getting out and about.

“Together with Network Rail, Cycling UK wants to encourage more people to discover the simple joy of riding a bike and give them the skills to keep on cycling.”

There are currently 5,000 bike storage spaces at Network Rail’s 20 managed stations, including at London Waterloo, Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly.

Network Rail has also introduced a range of measures – including enhanced cleaning regimes and increased station staff – in a bid to help keep passengers safe from the virus while travelling by rail.