£5m allocated to cycle racks at stations

Commuters will have the chance of a greener trip to work after the government announced £5 million of funding to improve cycle storage facilities at Britain’s major railway stations.

Lord Andrew Adonis, secretary of state for transport, said a recent visit to Holland highlighted the superiority of their bicycle facilities, a situation he wants to redress.

Up to ten major stations will be given improvements, which come in addition to an existing scheme to provide 1,500 cycle parking space at stations in London, Surrey and Sussex.

Lord Adonis said: “By enabling people to make the choice to cycle as part of longer public transport journeys we can make a massive difference.”

The government minister said all of London’s rail terminals currently only have space for 1,200 bikes, compared to the city of Liege in Holland, which has 4,500 spaces for a population of 120,000 people.

When a cycle rack is not enough – stop your bicycle being pinched

A recent experiment revealed that it took no longer than 17 minutes for an unattended bicycle to be stolen from a London railway station. Do not assume that because you have left your bike in a public place that it will not be targeted by thieves. The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to get insured.

Fully-comp insurance cover for bicycles

All bikes are vulnerable to theft and in the case of an accident you may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else. Cycle insurance from the ETA is fully comprehensive and covers electric-assist bicycles.

At no extra cost, it includes new-for-old replacement, cover for accidental damage, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, we will even come out and recover you and your bike.

What is the ETA?

The ETA provides cyclist insurance and motorists with green breakdown cover and insurance. The ETA exists in order to campaign for sustainable transport.