Projects to improve cycle facilities at Thameslink stations back on track

Much-welcomed improvements to cycle storage at Thameslink stations are back on track after having been put on hold due to the pandemic.

Luton station has received nearly £81,000 worth of improvements to its two areas of cycle parking with work due to complete this week – Bike Week 2020. Racks under the station entrance stairs used to accommodate 35 bicycles. These have been removed and replaced with a two-tier rack to accommodate 60 bikes, under a shelter and within a compound. The other cycle parking area at the station has been converted into a secure cycle hub with a Key Smartcard access system expected to be installed this month.

Over £17,000 worth of improvements have been made at Leagrave. The station now has a smart new cycle shelter and increased storage space for 26 bikes (previously there had only been space for 10), CCTV, speed humps on the approach road, a dropped kerb, line markings for the junction, plus signage. The project is due to be completed this week.

At Harpenden, just over £135,000 has been invested in new, more secure cycle parking. On the London-bound side, GTR has increased security for cyclists by installing a compound, plus improvements to CCTV coverage and lighting. Additional cycle parking and a free key Smartcard access system are expected to be introduced this month.

Elstree and Borehamwood is another station that is expected to see most of its improvement work completed by the end of June. £190,000 worth of improvements are being made here, including a new cycle storage hub with a two-tier system to accommodate up to 100 bikes. The new LED-lit hub will also have CCTV, a maintenance area and bike detection system. In due course a free Key Smartcard access system will also be installed.

For all the above cycle improvement projects, Govia Thameslink Railway was awarded funding from the Department for Transport, via the sustainable transport charity Sustrans. Councils have also contributed funding.

GTR’s Senior Project Manager Paul Best said: “We’re delighted that these projects are nearing completion and we hope the improvements will encourage more rail users to use pedal power as part of their journey.”

Cycling UK Bedfordshire Chairman Steve Clark also welcomed the improvements when the schemes were announced earlier in the year. He said: “Anything that makes it easier for cyclists to link up with rail and bus services is to be applauded.”

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