Refurbishing abandoned bikes to loan to commuters, a specialist dedicated commuter cyclist website and free bike security tagging are just a few of the innovative schemes improving services for rail-cycle passengers that were lauded yesterday.

The National Cycle Rail Awards, which are sponsored by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), celebrate the groundbreaking work being done by train companies, associated industry groups and individuals across the country to encourage the combined use of cycle and rail travel.

ATOC has a clear aim to encourage the greater use of cycles to access railways and train companies are constantly looking for ways to work with local individuals and groups to improve access, security, and information.

Cycling offers passengers a low cost way to travel; it has considerable health benefits; and it is environmentally friendly, all of which are reflected in the numbers of rail-cycle commuters, which are at an all-time high.

Train companies recognise this and the growing importance of integrated travel, and the awards show the continuing progress that is being made in developing new schemes by working with local communities.

This year’s winners include:

• National Express East Anglia, which now has 3,000 cycle parking spaces across its network, at 82% of its 167 stations, and has earmarked a further £260,000 investment programme at 10 stations that will add another 450 spaces;

• London Midland’s schemes with local organisation Go Cycle and Central Bedfordshire Council to promote Leighton Buzzard station, including refurbishing abandoned bikes to loan to commuters, free security tagging for bikes and doubling the number of parking spaces in the past two years;

ATOC Chief Executive Michael Roberts said: “The high standard of entrants to this year’s awards reflects the enthusiasm and dedication in the industry to encourage combined cycle and rail travel. The high number of entries we have received demonstrates an ongoing commitment to improving not only station facilities but on-board amenities too.

“The broad range of nominations, including from cyclists themselves, show consistent efforts both to answer the needs of those that already cycle, and to actively encourage new users to opt for ‘saddle and train’.”

Kevin Mayne, director of CTC, the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation and one of the founders of the awards, said: “Celebrating successful cycle rail initiatives is a way of showing what is possible in the sector and setting benchmarks for others to reach.”

The winners were announced yesterday at a ceremony hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group, with presentations from Anton Valk, chief executive of Abellio, which is also sponsoring the event , and Station Champion and industry veteran Chris Green. The awards were presented by Christian Wolmar, who judged the awards.

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TRAIN COMPANIES SHOW THEIR COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING CYCLE-RAIL TRAVEL