Brighton station pedals to national success

Brighton station has won the Station of the Year award at the National Cycle-Rail Awards, recognising all the work undertaken on the first class cycle hub.

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

Prior to the building of the cycle hub the station only had 250 cycle spaces. Most of the cycle parking was exposed to the elements and in some areas of the station capacity was full, with fly parking taking place. The introduction of the new cycle hub has transformed a derelict area of Network Rail land to create a super hub containing an additional 500 cycle spaces, with many additional facilities and features, including:

• Cycle repair and maintenance workshop, run by a local business enterprise;
• Coffee shop unit;
• New keep fit facilities, offering classes such as yoga and bike spinning;
• Rentable office space for local businesses and meeting areas, at affordable rates;
• Secure and safe controllable entry and exit barrier system which is activated by Southern’s smartcard, “the key”;
• Roof terrace area which gives an overview of Brighton station and the city; and
• Showers, changing rooms and a Changing Places toilet for disabled passengers.

This outstanding project is not only improving the experience for cyclists, but the wider community of Brighton as well. The Cycle Rail judges said it was “the standard that all operators should be aiming for” and that “every hub should aspire to this”.

In addition, Hassock’s community based cycle hub was Highly Commended in the Partnership category, with Sutton being highly commended in the London Cycle Parking category.

David Scorey, Southern Mainline and Coast Passenger Services Director, said: “Brighton is our biggest and best cycle hub yet and we are really pleased that it has been recognised with this award. Traditionally the station had been in need of more cycle parking and what we now have is a high quality comprehensive facility.

“We are committed to improving cycling parking across our network. The recognition of these awards is excellent and we look forward to working further with all our partners to continue to improve the cycle facilities at stations into the future.”