Transport Minister welcomes ‘cycling toolkit’ for train operators

The Association of Train Operating Companies has published a ‘toolkit’ to assist operators in accommodating cyclists on board their services.

Working alongside the Department for Transport and various cycle campaigners, ATOC believes the toolkit will help train operators improve provision for cyclists by setting out how to provide good facilities, encourage new cycle-rail users and promote and market these facilities to ensure that as many people as possible benefit.

Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “This new toolkit provides some useful guidance and examples to help train operating companies get things right for cyclists. It highlights what will be effective in encouraging more people to make their door-to-door journey using a combination of rail and cycling.

“Cycling is good for the environment, good for your health and can save you money. By getting rail passengers to leave their cars at home and take the bike instead, traffic congestion can be cut and carbon emissions slashed – it’s a win-win."

The guidance, available from ATOC, will be one of main focuses of the ATOC Interchange and Integrated Transport Conference, at which the Transport Minister is the Keynote speaker in Manchester on September 27th, for more details see interchangeandintegration.co.uk.

Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of ATOC, said: “Cyclists are an important part of the railway’s future and train companies are absolutely committed to improving facilities so that ever more people can leave their bikes at stations and travel by rail.

“The toolkit shows how train companies have improved conditions for cyclists and highlights the industry’s commitment to even better facilities."

The toolkit is available to download free of charge at: cycle-rail.co.uk

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