An investment of almost £13,000 has been announced to improve the cycle storage space at Meldreth station.
The funding has been awarded by the Department for Transport to Govia Thameslink Railway via the walking and cycling charity Sustrans.
Cyclists have welcomed the proposed improvements, which should see improvements to lighting, security cameras and the installation of a two-tier cycle rack.
South Cambs District Council has also contributed funding for the Meldreth cycle scheme. At the moment there are eight spaces for bicycles and the new two-tier rack will create space for 16.
Construction of the new bike rack is expected to start this month.
Is there cycle storage at your local station? Let us know in the comments below.
What Did The Officials Say?
Cyclist and rail user Susan van de Ven, who is County Councillor for Bassingbourn, Melbourn, Meldreth and Whaddon, said:
“The new cycle parking provision at Meldreth is extremely welcome, and we'd like to thank Govia Thameslink Railway and South Cambs District Council's Zero Carbon Communities Grant for making it possible. For many cycle/rail commuters, secure cycle parking is essential. Our Community Rail Partnership is committed to encouraging people to access the station on foot or by bicycle whenever possible, so this is a wonderful step in that direction.”
GTR's Head of Environment Jason Brooker said:
“By improving cycle facilities at Meldreth station, we hope to encourage more rail users to use pedal power as part of their commute. Getting to the station by bike is not only good for the environment, but it has multiple health benefits for the cyclist. We also hope that people will feel more confident leaving their bikes at the station thanks to the new lighting and security cameras.”
Jason added:
“We would like to thank the Department for Transport and the council for their support in funding this project.”
Anita Konrad, England Director at Sustrans, said:
“Combining walking and cycling with rail helps people reduce their reliance on the car and makes for healthy journeys. The shift towards more sustainable modes of transport can also go a long way to alleviating congestion and air pollution in our towns and cities and more environmentally friendly ways of getting around in the countryside. We hope the new cycle schemes will encourage more people to choose cycling as part of their everyday journey.”
Rail, Cycling and Walking Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said:
“Cycling to your nearest station to catch a train to work or school is a great way to keep healthy, reduce emissions and help make our towns and cities vibrant places to live. I'm delighted that as a direct result of Government funding more passengers across the GTR network are able to park their bikes securely, making greener travel more convenient.”
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As Govia Thameslink Railway have improved railway stations across its network and they due to expire in September 2021. Will Govia extend the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern (TSGN) rail franchise until Mid/Late 2028 or in Mid/Late 2030? As they have completed ordering the 115 new Class 700 Desiro City Thameslink trains (60 Class 700/0 8-Car and 55 Class 700/1 12-Car) and 25 6-Car Class 717 Great Northern Desiro City trains which has replaced the 40+ year old Class 313 but Southern are to retain the Class 313 for a little bit longer.
Or will Govia/Go-Ahead lose the GTR franchise and for TSGN franchise to be split with Thameslink & Great Northern (TGN) to remain or to be split and Southern franchise to be franchised by another rail operator whoever takes over the franchise in Late 2021 (and will retain the Gatwick Express franchise as it’s still part of the Southern franchise).