Six cycle parking schemes at stations across the BCP - Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole - and Dorset council areas have just been completed by South Western Railway (SWR).
As the country recovers from the pandemic and the weekly commute is reintroduced, passengers using Weymouth, Dorchester South, Wareham, Parkstone, Bournemouth and Gillingham railway stations can now enjoy new facilities.
The projects were funded by the Department for Transport, Dorset Council and BCP Council, and have meant increased parking for bicycles at stations, on top of upgraded CCTV set to improve security.
The investment at Dorset makes up part of a larger investment plan across the SWR network, who is working alongside local councils and partners to introduce other cycle schemes and e-bike facilities.
“Cycling is a green, healthy and low-cost way for passengers to travel to the station..."
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said “cycling is a green, healthy and low-cost way for passengers to travel to the station, and cycle parking schemes are a brilliant way to facilitate this.”
Cllr Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council, said "I am delighted that BCP Council has been able to assist South Western Railway in introducing these CCTV-monitored cycle racks in Bournemouth and Parkstone Stations. It is a relatively minor start but helps address a real need.”
By introducing more cycling facilities at stations, the projects aim to encourage the public to use greener methods of transport on their commute to work, as gas emission reduction requires a major step away from motorised transport.
The improved CCTV is also set to increase confidence for passengers when leaving their bikes at stations.
Alan Penlington, Customer Experience Director at South Western Railway commented “we are delighted to be announcing the completion and introduction of new cycle facilities at our stations in Dorset."
He continued, "we know that our customers’ journeys do not start and end at our stations, and it is projects like these which help to make our network more connected and integrated with other forms of transport.”
The Director added, "we have exciting plans to roll out further cycle schemes across the SWR network, making journeys with us as smooth and convenient as possible”.
The upgrades come after a similar project was completed at Sherborne station last year.
