Bicycle owners have welcomed an investment to improve facilities at Luton and Leagrave stations.

Thameslink has announced that they have been awarded more than £160,000 to improve bicycle facilities at the two stations.

Govia Thameslink Railway has been awarded funding from the Department for Transport through the walking and cycling charity Sustrans.

Luton Borough Council has also contributed to the funding.

Luton station will receive nearly £81,000 of improvements to its two areas of bicycle parking. Racks under the station will be removed and replaced with a two-tier rack to accommodate 60 bikes. The other cycle area at the station will be converted into a secure cycle hub with free access.

Leagrave station is set to benefit from just over £17,000 worth of bicycle parking improvement, with a new shelter and increased storage space for an additional 20 bikes.

Improvements at both stations are expected to be completed by April.

In addition to these, GTR is also working with Luton Borough Council on a new link from the Three Horse Shoes roundabout to the station, costing just under £63,000.

Cycling UK Bedfordshire Chairman Steve Clark said:

“It’s good news that Govia Thameslink Railway are extending the facilities for cyclists at their stations in Luton and Leagrave. Anything that makes it easier for cyclists to link up with rail and bus services is to be applauded.”

GTR’s Head of Environment Jason Brooker said:

“By improving cycle facilities at Luton and Leagrave station, we hope to encourage more rail users to use pedal power as part of their commute. Getting to the station by bike is not only good for the environment, but it has multiple health benefits for the cyclist. We also hope that people will feel more confident leaving their bikes at Luton station thanks to the new secure cycle hub.”

Jason added:

“We would like to thank Sustrans, the Department for Transport and Luton Borough Council for their support in this project.”

Anita Konrad, England Director at Sustrans, said:

“Combining walking and cycling with rail helps people reduce their reliance on the car and makes for healthy journeys. The shift towards more sustainable modes of transport can also go a long way to alleviating congestion and air pollution in our towns and cities and more environmentally friendly ways of getting around in the countryside. We hope the new cycle schemes will encourage more people to choose cycling as part of their everyday journey.”

Cycling and Walking Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said:

“Cycling to your nearest station to catch a train to work or school is a great way to keep healthy, reduce emissions and help make our towns and cities vibrant places to live. I’m delighted that as a direct result of Government funding more passengers across the GTR network are able to park their bikes securely, making greener travel more convenient.”

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