Rail stations to become cycling hubs

Ten major railway stations will have the opportunity to improve their cycling facilities under government plans to create a network of 'cycling hubs' around the country.

A £5m fund will provide extra bike racks and repair shops in a bid to encourage rail passengers to cycle more.

Lord Adonis, the transport secretary, is seeking to emulate the Netherlands, where cycling accounts for one in three of all trips to and from stations, compared with just 2 per cent in Britain. The Dutch city of Leiden, has 4,500 station racks and is planning to add a further 1,500 spaces – more than the total in London.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “There are still major rail stations such as Charing Cross in London that have no parking for cyclists so extra racks are welcome, but there are many other issues that need addressing such as rail operator intransience and inconsistency over when and how cycles can be carried onboard trains.”

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 retrieve you bike with our cycle rescue service.

What is the ETA?

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