Cycle Rail travel made easier with online ‘PlusBike’ channel

Those who combine cycling with rail travel as part of their commute can now benefit from the newly launched ‘Plusbike’ resource.

Now a feature of National Rail Enquiries, Plusbike will offer an online source for information on cycling facilities available at stations and on trains in Britain.

Developed by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and NRE, and funded by the Department for Transport, the new addition to NRE apps and web platforms will make it easier for both existing and new cycle-rail passengers to quickly find out about:

– The level of cycling facilities at any given station

– The number and type of cycle parking spaces

– Cycle hire facilities at the station, with the app providing a direct link to any existing hire scheme near to the station

– Cycle carriages on different train services

Transport minister Robert Goodwill launched PlusBike in Cambridge, where work on the station’s new £2.5million CyclePoint officially got underway yesterday. CyclePoint will significantly improve cycle facilities for passengers using Cambridge station, which is one of Britain’s busiest regional stations.

Scheduled for completion by the end of this year, it will include safe and secure parking for 3,000 cycles, a retail and repair facility and cycle hire, and will be the biggest facility of its kind in the UK. 

Conrad Haigh, Head of Integrated Transport at ATOC, said: “PlusBike and other improvements to online information will make it so much easier for passengers getting to and from stations by bicycle to be aware of new facilities, such as new cycle hubs like Cambridge. Together, both these show the industry’s dedication to improving the experience for those who want to combine bike and rail as part of their door to door journey, and encouraging more passengers to try this convenient,economical and environmentally friendly mode of travel.”