The UK Department for Transport has offered a new Cycle-Rail Toolkit for train operators, aimed at helping passengers who wish to combine cycling with rail travel.
The toolkit has been developed by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and is intended to help rail operators to offer suitable facilities for cyclists, and to encourage new cycle users to opt for such sustainable travel options.
The 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.
I hope train operators and local authorities take advantage of this useful information.’
The company chief executive officer of ATOC, Michael Roberts, 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, which will help those already in the saddle, and encourage yet more people to ride their bikes to and from their local train stations.’
