Giving people the choice of multiple active and sustainable travel options which can easily be combined will mean healthier and emission-free options for local journeys.
That’s the assessment of Sustrans, as it welcomes views on how to make combining cycle and train travel ‘easy and desirable for everyone’.
The public consultation has been launched by the Cycle Rail Working Group, which brings together the rail industry and other sustainable transport stakeholders, including Sustrans.
The aim of the project is to create new guidance for the rail industry to improve opportunities for people to combine cycling and rail travel.
Existing guidance was delivered in 2016, prior to the global pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
David Hibbs, cycle rail programme manager at Sustrans, said: “We want to help people to combine the active travel of cycling, which is cheaper and healthier than car use, with rail travel.
“To get this right, we need to hear from the people who currently travel by cycle and rail, or wish to, so we’re inviting them to share their experiences.”
According to research carried out by Sustrans in 2021, 64% of people across the UK would like improved cycling infrastructure that better links with public transport, such as secure cycle parking at train stations.
Dean Pettitt, social and commercial development manager at South Western Railway, said: “Rail travel is one of the most environmentally friendly mass transport options and the industry is always keen to find ways to encourage travellers to use sustainable methods of travel wherever possible.
“The feedback from this survey will help the industry discover new ways to achieve this aim.”
> That’s the assessment of Sustrans, as it welcomes views on how to make combining cycle and train travel ‘easy and desirable for everyone’.
It would be easy and desirable if there wasn’t the threat of bicycles going “for a walk” when placed in what should ideally be a secure lockup.
David Weston, Newcastle upon Tyne
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