68 cycle-rail and Sustrans projects in England share £15 million DfT funding (+ full list)

Transport Minister Norman Baker has revealed details of dozens of projects in England that will benefit from the £15 million funding announced by the Department for Transport last month, including a ‘cycle hub’ at Cambridge railway station that will provide 3,000 cycle parking spaces. In total, 7,500 bike parking spaces will be added at stations, as well as 38 new or improved walking and cycling routes.

The £15 million will be split between projects co-ordinated by the Cycle Rail Working Group (CRWG), which comprises members of the rail industry and cycling sector, and the sustainable transport charity, Sustrans. Cycle-rail facilities are also benefiting from a separate £7 million investment by Network Rail, and match funding across all the initiatives will take total spend to £37 million.

The funding is separate from that provided under the £560 million Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF).

In all, 68 projects have been approved – a full list of them plus total budget appears at the end of this article – with the biggest being the £2.5 million facility at Cambridge, which will provide the additional bike parking capacity long sought-after by local campaigners.

Mr Baker, whose portfolio includes responsibility for both cycling and local transport, said: “I know these plans will be hugely beneficial to communities and cyclists up and down England. They will also help to create jobs and reduce our carbon footprints while making cycling safer and more convenient – further emphasising the government’s dedication to offer sustainable transport for all.

“I look forward to visiting some of the projects and hearing the difference renewed transport links have made to peoples’ daily lives, especially making that last mile from the train to home an easy ride or walk.”

Malcolm Shepherd, Chief Executive of Sustrans, commented: “Sustrans is delighted to be working with the Department for Transport to help more people in communities to walk or cycle to school and work.

“Ongoing investment is needed to give many more people the chance to get active safely in their everyday journeys.”

As well as bike parking, the cycle hub at Cambridge Station will include hire facilities plus a workshop to enable commuters to get their bike serviced while they are at work. Elsewhere in East Anglia, a new bike hire concept for the UK based on an existing scheme in the Netherlands will make it easier to complete the journey to the final destination once off the train.

Michael Roberts, Chief Executive of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) said on behalf of the Cycle Rail Working Group: “Train companies and the rail industry as a whole recognise the important role cycling plays in our growing railway and the Cycle Rail Working Group has been working hard on how we can improve cycle-rail provision further.

ATOC itself has bee awarded funding towards a £250,000 "PlusBike Systems Infrastructure" project, which will provide "systems, ticketing and reservation system to enable nationwide integrated cycle-hire and train ticketing."

“This money is a real boost to the group’s work and is good news for passengers. It will allow the industry to extend and develop cycling facilities across the country, offering more people a low-cost and environmentally friendly way to get to and from the station.”

What the schemes benefiting from today’s investment do not address, however, is an issue highlighted by those who wish to cycle to the station and then use their bike at the other end – namely, the ability to be able to easily take bikes on trains without restrictions on the number of bicycles on trains, the type of bike allowed, or the hours when they are permitted.

List of projects in today’s DfT announcement

nb all figures quoted include match funding

Abellio Greater Anglia
Cambridge

Cambridge will develop the largest cycle hub in the UK offering cycle storage for 3,000 bikes, cycle hire, cycle repairs and cycle sales at a dedicated facility adjacent to Cambridge station.

£2,500,000

Abellio Greater Anglia
15 stations across Greater Anglia (to be determined)

A new bike hire concept based on the Dutch system particularly focused on passengers arriving at their destination stations across the Greater Anglia rail network, as egress from stations is an often overlooked part of the end-to-end journey

£700,000

FCC
Letchworth

24 additional cycle spaces to increase cpacity due to demand

£11,850

FCC
St Albans

120 additional cycle spaces to increase cpacity due to demand

£65,500

FCC
Bedford

100 additional cycle spaces to increase cpacity due to demand
£27,500

FCC
Royston

100 additional cycle spaces to increase cpacity due to demand

£67,750

London Midland
Hemel Hempstead, Nothampton, Tring, Watford Jcn, Whitlocks End, Droitwich Spa, Rugeley Trent Valley, Kidderminster, Stone, Long Buckby, Kings Langley, Hagley and Wythall

To revamp or remove old spaces and install new high quality cycle spaces to increase capacity, in some cases doubling cycle parking availability

£140,700

Bedford Borough Council
Bedford

This route links very significant housing developments to the west of Bedford with the town centre and with a major new housing development and new river bridge near the town centre. It upgrades and extends the existing riverside path.

£200,000

Luton Borough Council
Luton - Harpenden

Creation of a high quality traffic-free link between the two towns along a disused railway line. The towns are close to each other, but are separated by busy roads and the Luton Hoo Estate. Works include the improvement of  links around the new traffic-free route.

£540,000

Northamptonshire County Council
Brampton Valley Way

Improvement works are needed to ensure this volunteer-built traffic-free route becomes an all year, all weather resource through resurfacing and dealing with flooding and access problems. The proposed improvements have huge local support.

£350,000

Northamptonshire County Council
East Northants Greenway  (Phase 1)

Linking Irthlingborough and Higham Ferrers across the River Nene floodplain, this route will build on the successful East Northants Greenway by extending the traffic-free section to the north and upgrading and improving existing paths.

£370,000

Suffolk County Council
Halesworth

Creation of largely traffic-free links from surrounding villages into the town centre. Benefits for commuters, school children and to encourage active travel.

£220,000

EMT
Nottingam, Bulwell, Beeston and Hucknell

3 Cycle Hubs giving increased capacity with secure cycle cages, enhanced CCTV, gating and cycle hire

£85,000

EMT
Leicester

Brompton Dock making cycle hire facilities available to passengers
£62,000

Leicestershire County Council
Coalville Cycle Network

Coalville has been identified as a priority area in Leicestershire to encourage economic growth. These schemes would improve accessibility on foot and by bike between the Greenhills North East and Greenhills Centre Wards.

£500,000

Leicestershire County Council
Countesthorpe

A raised table crossing point of Winchester Road, Countesthorpe, linking NCN6 and a cycle path to a new development.

£20,000

Lincolnshire County Council
Newark

Involves the resurfacing of a number of existing routes in urgent need of repair and upgrade. Whilst popular, usage could be increased considerable through these measures. Links to schools, transport hubs and areas of employment.

£80,000

Lincolnshire County Council
Boston Cycle Network

Rebuilding of established NCN – already popular, but becoming increasing difficult to use as an all year resource. Important rural cycling and walking link with benefits across the community.

£115,000

Chiltern
Marylebone

Replace existing cycle parking with double stack solution and CCTV

£90,000

Southern
Peckham Rye

A cycle hub within a Grade 2 listed building using disused arches to the East of the station: a cycle shop, maintenance/repair shop, a Brompton Dock hire system, controlled access system, monitored CCTV and help point.    

£400,000

SWT
Richmond and Surbiton

New cycle hubs including a fully fitted out manned cycle facility which would allow activities such as bike valet, maintenance, storage and hire.

£220,000

Leeds City Council/Waterways Trust
Aire Valley Towpath

This scheme will surface 2km of National Cycle Network 66 towpath into the city centre. A significant length of this route has already been delivered by Sustrans and very positively received with just one section remaining.

£450,000

Durham County Council
Consett

This scheme will build on the already popular traffic-free path through numerous improvements along its length,  the creation of additional links and the addition and improvement of access points.

£225,000

Durham County Council
Station Town - Wingate

Resurfacing and improvements to existing railway line ensuring all year round access and usage. Community wide benefits.

£125,000

Gateshead Council
Gateshead (Durham Rd)

New section of NCN through the Gateshead conurbation with key links to schools and workplaces.

£400,000

Gateshead Council
Gateshead (Derwent)

Improvements to NCN14 and the development of a series of key links to adjacent business parks and retailers.

£200,000

Northumberland County Council
Alnmouth - Warkworth

Revitalises National Cycle Network 1, and improves a vital traffic-free link between communities, with links to local schools and services. Strong benefits to local tourism industry.

£350,000

Stockton-On-Tees Borough Council
Stockton Greenway (Phase 2)

Phase two of a 2012/13 Links to Communities scheme, creating a shared use path and the installation of a new crossing of the Yarm Road (A66).

£170,000

Merseyrail
10 stations across the Merseyrail including Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool South Parkway, Southport, Ellesmere Port and Hooton.

A new bike hire concept based on the Dutch system particularly focussed on passengers arriving at their destination stations across the Merseyrail network, as egress from stations is an often overlooked part of the end-to-end journey

£450,000

Merseyrail
Wirral line stations - Bidston, Birkenhead North, Ellesmere Port, Hoylake, New Brighton and
West Kirby

Safe and sheltered cycle storage facilities with swipe card access at 6 of Merseyrail's stations. These shelters will include two tier cycle parking, cover, lighting; CCTV and provide storage for approx. 32 bikes at each station, ending up in a total addition of almost 200 bike parking spaces.

£300,000

Merseyrail
Northern Line stations -  Aintree, Bootle New Strand, Bootle Oriel Road, Kirkby, Liverpool South Parkway and Seaforth & Litherland

Safe and sheltered cycle storage facilities with swipe card access ata further 6 of Merseyrail's stations. These shelters will include two tier cycle parking, cover, lighting; CCTV and provide storage for approx. 32 bikes at each station, ending up in a total addition of almost 200 bike parking spaces.

£300,000

Northern
Salford Central, Manchester Oxford Road, Blackburn, Blackpool North, Ashton under Lyme, Hazel Grove and Eccles

Secure and safe cycling sheltered storage facilities with swipe card access. These shelters will include Sheffield stands, cover, lighting; CCTV and provide storage for 600 bikes as follows: Salford Central 100 bikes; Manchester Oxford Road 200 bikes; Blackburn 50 bikes; Blackpool North 100 bikes; Ashton under Lyme 50 bikes; Hazel Grove 50 bikes; and  Eccles 50 bikes.

£400,000

Northern
Manchester Victoria and Bolton

Cycle hubs providing cycle storage for 400 bikes (200 at each location), cycle hire, cycle repairs and cycle sales at a dedicated facilities adjacent to the stations. All cycle hubs will provide ongoing jobs and training for new starters.

£700,000

Cheshire East
Crewe (cross town)

Build on current development of the local network, extending the Connect2 scheme to the town centre and sites of employment on the northwest of town; create  cross-town cycle route from Leighton Hospital via the town centre to the railway station and university.

£800,000

Cheshire West and Cheshire
Neston to Deeside

The scheme involves the construction of a coastal route between Neston town centre and Deeside Employment site. There is cross border cooperation to link to the Welsh side of the scheme.

£550,000

Knowsley Council
Kirkby Network

The scheme will extend the existing Connect2 network into further employment sites in Kirkby, along with connections into the Fazakerley area of Liverpool and the Loop Line, NCN62.

£540,000

Liverpool City Council
Liverpool Loop Line

Link from the Liverpool Loop Line traffic-free route to Broadgreen Hospital. Involves creation of a DDA compliant access ramp.

£130,000

Sefton Borough Council
Hightown, Formby and Sefton

Largely traffic-free links between Crosby, Hightown, Formby and Ainsdale that will enable walking and cycling journeys to a number of day to day destinations. Also links Aintree to employment sites at Old Roan and to the Racecourse.

£600,000

FGW
Reading

Brompton Dock making cycle hire facilities available to passengers. In addition a bike repair centre will be available in the station car park

£124,500

FGW
Oxford

Brompton Dock making cycle hire facilities available to passengers, secure cycle parking, additional CCTV, improved signage and public bike pump

£137,000

Southeastern
Canterbury West, Ashford International, Maidstone East, Tonbridge

A  network of four 20 bay Brompton Docks (bike hire facilities) across Kent stations and 10 BTP approved Sheffield stands.

£1,000,000

SWT
Alton, Ash Vale, Claygate, Cobham & S D, Egham, Fareham, Farnborough, Farncombe, Farnham, Fratton, Godalming, Guildford, Hampton Court, Haslemere, Hersham, Horsley, Liphook, London Rd Guildford, Milford, Oxshott, Petersfield, Southampton Ctl, Surbiton, West Byfleet and Weybridge

Increased cycle parking capacities at stations. The new facilities range from additional covered parking to increased stands, which will provide an enhanced amount of cycle shelter and availability to encourage a modal shift to cycles.

£1,188,000

Hampshire County Council
Winchester (Hockley Viaduct)

Major refurbishment of an old railway viaduct and improvements to an existing bridleway linking a park & ride site to the city centre and providing local villages with a route to enable school children and commuters to access Winchester city centre.

£700,000

Hampshire County Council
Stockbridge

The scheme provides the missing link of the NCN 246 which runs from the NCN 4 at Kintbury in the North to NCN 236 at Southampton in the South, also connecting with NCN 24 at Timsbury. The scheme consists of an off road shared pedestrian cycle route.

£140,000

Hampshire County Council
Eastleigh

Phase 1 of the Botley to Hedge End cycle route - the scheme will create new cycling and walking facilities addressing the busy A334.
£260,000

Oxford City Council/Waterways Trust
Oxford (Jericho)

The scheme involves a number of improvements to the Oxford Canal towpath, linking residential areas to the city centre and providing access to retail, employment sites and public transport hubs.

£350,000

Abellio Greater Anglia
Chelmsford

The Chelmsford CyclePoint will provide cycle storage for 500 bikes, cycle hire, cycle repairs and cycle sales at a dedicated facility adjacent to Chelmsford station.

£400,000

SWT
Fleet, Havant, Staines, Swanwick, Totton, Wokingham

New security compounds with additional stands will provide re-assurance on cycle safety and availability to encourage a modal shift to cycles. The works will include improved lighting, CCTV plus station signage.  

£465,000

East Sussex County Council
Lewes and Kingston Link

The creation of a largely traffic-free cycling and walking link approx. 2 miles long, between Lewes and Kingston. The current route is characterised by busy roads and narrow footways - this scheme will create an attractive and safe alternative.

£250,000

Kent County Council
Dartford

Extension to existing Connect2 scheme.

£325,000

Surrey County Council
Dorking

This realignment of NCN22 will create a new cycling and walking path between the village of Westcott and the town of Dorking, offering huge potential for a wide variety of journeys, avoiding the busy A25.

£220,000

Wokingham Borough Council
Woodley

Proposed new foot and cycle crossing on the River Loddon, creating a link between Woodley and Twyford station and from Twyford to Dinton Pastures Country Park.

£200,000

FGW

Exeter Stations - Exeter St Davids, Exeter Central and Digby & Sowton

New facilities include secure cycle parking with keycode access, additional CCTV, provision of bike hire, bike repair service, cyclists meassge board and public bike pump facilities

£288,200

FGW

Bristol Temple Meads

Brompton Dock making cycle hire facilities available to passengers, secure cycle parking, additional CCTV and public bike pump

£160,500

Bristol City Council
Bristol

Walking and cycling in and out of south west Bristol is currently made difficult by the need to make a number of railway, river and busy road crossings. This scheme will create an important new link between Bedminster and the central docks area. The new route will then join up to an improved multi user path network in to the city centre, Clifton and the north of the city.

£536,000

Cambridgeshire County Council
St. Ives

Creation of a mainly traffic-free link between St. Ives and Huntingdon, including villages in between. There is already informal use of the route alignment, but usage is suppressed by the need to cross busy roads and by poor quality surfacing.

£250,000

Dorset County Council
Weymouth

The current Connect2 scheme will form part of the Olympic transport network in Weymouth. This new project is to create a new route linking central Weymouth with a college and industrial estate, including improved walking and cycling friendly road crossings.

£1,340,000

Plymouth City Council
Plymouth

Stonehouse Creek in south west Plymouth is a green corridor and a valuable east/west link for walking and cycling from the most deprived neighbourhoods in the city, currently undergoing major regeneration. The funding will create a series of new links to this arterial corridor, as well as to local schools, employment centres, local train stations and Central Park.

£1,106,000

London Midland
Stourbridge Junction

Secure cycle hub scheme pilot giving an additional 40 spaces

£60,000

London Midland
Selly Oak

Secure cycle hub scheme pilot giving an additional 40 spaces

£60,000

Virgin
Coventry

300 space purpose built cycle point, including a mixture of secure storage of cycles (racks and lockers), covered with cctv, lighting and associated signage.

£300,000

Birmingham City Council
Birmingham

The project seeks to provide a link along the Cole Valley, from the committed infrastructure on the Cole Hall Lane bridge to the existing path leading to Babbs Mills and onwards to Solihull. The scheme will provide an off road dedicated cycle route for pu

£662,000

Dudley MBC/Waterways Trust
Dudley

Towpath work to complement Lottery funded £500k Dudley no. 2 Canal Project.  Creates links into green space and provides excellent links to employment and schools. On-highway improvement works and the replacement of steps with ramps on a number of bridges.

£604,000

Wolverhampton City Council/Waterways Trust
Wolverhampton

Towpath and access improvement. Improves existing route, creates new route and adds to the local network. It links directly into the i54 Enterprise Zone, connecting it to the greater Wolverhampton conurbation.  It also creates excellent safe routes to schools.

£1,112,000

Northern
25 stations across Northern (to be determined)

A new bike hire concept based on the Dutch system particularly focussed on passengers arriving at their destination stations across the Northern Rail network, as egress from stations is an often overlooked part of the end-to-end journey

£1,150,000

Bradford City Council
Bradford

This scheme will link the Bradford Connect2 scheme and city centre to the north of the city. It continues the development of a network of  good interlinking walking and cycling routes, connecting to stations and employment sites.

£400,000

North Yorkshire County Council
Tadcaster

This scheme will fulfil a long term ambition of the town council to provide a safe, traffic free, weatherproof route over the river Wharfe. The route will provide a much needed alternative to the busy A659 highway.

£200,000

ATOC
All 2,515 stations

PlusBike Systems Infrastructure- Systems, ticketing and reservation system to enable nationwide integrated cycle-hire and train ticketing.

£250,000