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Members of the cycling and railway industries gathered last night for The National Cycle Rail Awards, which took place last night at the Houses of Parliament.
With around 39 million cycle-rail journeys now made annually in the UK, a 40 per cent jump on 2009’s figures, the Association of Train Operating Companies organises the awards bash to celebrate the likes of Greater Anglia, who now have cycling facilities at 88 per cent of its stations, including over 7,000 parking slots.
Michael Roberts, ATOC chief executive and director general of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “This year saw the launch of the government’s door to door strategy, and the rail industry is committed to playing a key part in delivering that vision. We have made great strides in not only providing more and better cycling facilities at stations, but also in encouraging greater numbers of passengers to combine cycle and rail travel. We congratulate all of the winners on their innovative work.”
Transport minister Stephen Hammond presented the awards, while judges included Lord Tony Berkeley, Tom Bogdanowicz from London Cycling Campaign, Gordon Seabright from CTC, Chair of the Cycle-Rail Working Group Philip Darnton, Martin Key from British Cycling, ATOC Head of Integrated Transport Conrad Haigh, and Andrew Forster, Editor of Local Transport Today.
Above pik by Mark Bickerton; shows Phillip Darnton addressing the room.
Merseyrail received recognition for its Bike and Go scheme, which has been rolled out beyond the operator’s routes and is now available at more than 50 stations in the North West, Anglia and South East.
Operator First Capital Connect were noted for its efforts in working with the British Transport Police, which has resulted in a dramatic fall in cycle crime at stations. The scheme included offering free locks and security etching to cyclists, and dedicated cycle wardens.
Finally, South West Trains, whose efforts have resulted in a significant increase in cycling and are now responsible for around 25% of Britain’s cycle-rail access.
Stephen Hammond said in his presentation of the awards: “Used in combination, bike and rail offers one of the most environmentally friendly forms of travel, so it is important to give people the choice to travel this way. That’s why working together with the train companies, Network Rail and TfL we’re investing more than £25 million to improve cycle facilities at around 350 stations across the network.”
Image credit: oldbike.eu
