"Keep Cycling on Track"

The Government will shortly be publishing a White Paper on the future of our railways setting a 30-year policy framework. Together with two other policy documents, this will set out priorities and funding for Britain's railways for the next 30 years.

I am backing a campaign by CTC to ensure that cycling is recognised properly in the review and improvements are made in existing services.

CTC’s campaign is calling for a commitment in the White Paper to set standards for cycle carriage on new and existing rolling stock, better access to stations for cyclists and comprehensive cycle parking. These improvements will enable more people to opt for cycling to the train station instead of driving and to travel on the train to a cycling holiday or day out rather than by car. Such changes will open up new possibilities for commuters and other rail users across the country.

Making it easier to combine cycling and rail journeys encourages people to cycle, helping tackle obesity, congestion, air quality and climate change.

60% of people live within a 15 minute cycle ride of a station and would directly benefit from improved cycle access to rail services. Additional passengers boost the viability of under-used rural rail lines, which benefits the local economy.

This White Paper provides the best opportunity to set out a clear framework for integrating cycling and rail travel, which is of benefit to everyone.

"Cycling and rail travel are perfect partners. The combination provides a ‘doorstep-to-destination’ option for longer-distance journeys which might otherwise be possible only by car. It is also a really simple way to set about tackling a whole range of problems all in one go: obesity, air pollution, congestion and climate change to name but a few.”

Jon Snow
CTC President