Posted 3rd March 2009 | 4 Comments
Pedal power scheme launched for ‘green’ commuters
Ready for the off: Brian Souter (second left) and Will Butler-Adams with SWT staff at Waterloo.
GET on yer bike – that’s the offer to commuters from South West Trains, which has launched a three month scheme to hire out cycles.
To flag up the initiative, Stagecoach Group boss Brian Souter donned safety helmet and prepared to get mobile, two-wheeled style, at London’s Waterloo station.
Fifty South West Trains season ticket holders are trialling the free fold-up Brompton cycle hire for three months.
The idea came from the Group’s research of 13,000 people across the country in-to attitudes to green issues, which determined the growing popularity of cycling being incorporated as part of integrated journeys on trains and buses.
Health issues emerged as a significant factor in convincing people to ditch the car and, with growing interest in cycling, the bike hire initiative is designed to help travellers make a greener, integrated journey.
Mr Souter was joined at the launch by Dave Holladay, public transport adviser of the Cycle Touring Club, which has given a thumbs-up to the trial, and Will Butler-Adams, managing director of Brompton Bicycle.
“Our extensive consumer research around the UK has found that environmental concerns are growing,” said Mr Souter. “People are looking for travel choices that will help reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.”
Passengers will be able to hire the SWT-branded Brompton folding bicycles from the Lost Property Office at Waterloo station.
Independent bicycle retailer On Your Bike will carry out some of the logistics and maintenance with expansion of its London Bridge-based cycle servicing and repair workshop services.
SWT has previously won awards for its innovative approach to cycle-rail integration, including partnership with British Transport Police to deter cycle theft.
Also, the company has been commended for upgrading cycle parking facilities at many of its stations, in partnership with other agencies, to provide cycle racks and shelters, many covered by CCTV.
Reader Comments:
Views expressed in submitted comments are that of the author, and not necessarily shared by Railnews.
ann Marshall, weybridge
Just wondered exactly what is the SWT policy with folding bikes... does it say anywhere that they MUST be collapsed? Like commenter AL, I am a passionate cyclist but also commuter... sometimes take my road bike to work but always respect the peak time restrictions, which means I must catch the unearthly 0614 to work and 1902 (or later) home, makes for a long day. However, I regularly see guys with folding bikes travelling at any time, with bikes fully erected and looking slightly smug, and have to admit that it pisses me off! I'm convinced that my neat little Specialized takes up no more room than their clumpy Bromptons, so where's the logic in that? Are they outside the rules or exploiting the rules? I have checked the SWT cycle policy and it simply says 'fold-up cycles that can be stowed as luggage are not restricted'...
Perhaps SWT need to clarify further...
PO of Weybridge
AL, London, UK
Yes they do. South West Trains have some of the best cycle provision onboard trains of any UK operator. Their policy of not allowing bikes during the commuter peak is the only sensible practical solution, the bikes take up space that is needed by standing commuters at those times and loading a bike on and off a train takes longer in busy periods and risks delaying train departures. It is quite correct that at those times they only allow people to board with collapsed folding bicyles. I'm a passionate cyclist but I fully support SWT's stance on this. Offering a means for people to continue their journey at the London end by bicycle is an excellent initiative, responding to a need that is there.
John Bentley, Worcester, United Kingdom
This cycle experiment is progress anyway. In the West Midlands there is demand for local rail services and as the local stations are improved, facilities for cycling could be improved. What we definitely do not want is more car parking - all efforts should be directed at the car being left at home rather than used for short journeys.
One aspect not being addressed is access on foot to stations - many country roads are shared use - but with increased traffic levels it feel much safer to walk on a path at the side of the carriageway. Just look at the road just North of Ledbury Station !
Should train operators be trying sustainable transport out - or should the transport planners in local authorities be required and funded to do it ?
x, x
But they dont carry bikes on trains