New covered cycle storage opens at train station in Northamptonshire

The new storage, situated in the same area as the existing spaces, has been built inside an old shower block allowing a total of 136 cycle owners to park and store their bikes in a dry and protected atmosphere.

The project, jointly funded by East Midlands Trains and Northamptonshire County Council, started in January and opened to the public yesterday (Monday).

David Oldershaw, area station manager for East Midlands Trains, said: “Good cycle facilities are vital for people choosing to travel to the station by bike.

“We are delighted that this is the first of many projects planned for 2016 to improve cycle facilities at our stations.

“Over the last three years we have invested more than £2million on major changes at Sheffield, Leicester and Derby stations.

“In 2016 we will continue to focus on more cycle projects across the network so that we can have a positive impact on cyclists using our services.”

Designed and built by Bowmer & Kirkland, the project provides a much improved environment for cyclists using the station.

Access to the storage will be via a key fob entry system, available for a £10 deposit.

Spaces are free to use and the storage has the added security of CCTV.

Cllr Michael Clarke, Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for highways, transport and environment, said: “This is a great facility for Kettering station and I’m delighted to endorse it.

“Cycling has a wide range of benefits – not just in reducing pollution and congestion on the roads but also in it being a great form of exercise.

“It is fully in line with the county council’s Transportation Plan, which encourages modal shift and promotes cycling while encouraging people not to use their cars.”

The next cycle hub to be completed will be a 200 space secure cycle unit at Lincoln station in May.