New cycle facilities could be made available at Norwich train station

Cycle hire plan for Norwich train station

Dan Grimmer Friday, February 3, 2012
8:58 AM

Bosses at the train operator taking over services from Norwich have indicated they could make “significant improvements” for cyclists at the city’s railway station.

And hopes have been raised that, along with improved storage space for bicycles, cycle hire could be offered at the station.

Dutch train operator Abellio takes over from National Express East Anglia in running the Greater Anglia services on Sunday.

While the company has been given a short-term contract to run until 2014, Abellio will be hoping to win a longer contract after that.

At a Norwich City Council meeting this week, it emerged talks have taken place between council bosses and Abellio over improvements at Norwich station.

In response to a question from Judith Lubbock, pictured, Liberal Democrat councillor for Eaton, over the need to “start a dialogue” with Abellio, Bert Bremner, cabinet member for planning and transportation, said talks were already under way.

He said: “A dialogue has already started with Abellio and I am particularly pleased that they have indicated that among their short- term priorities are some significant improvements to the provision being made for cyclists at rail stations.

“Among these are possible provision of both cycle hire and secure cycle storage facilities at Norwich station and I am sure that we will be involved in discussion to take these ideas forward. Over the longer term a cycle centre may also be a possibility and, of course, we will want to be involved in taking this idea forward.”

Mrs Lubbock, speaking after the meeting, said: “The possible provision of secure cycle parking and a cycle hire scheme is excellent news for Norwich.

“As a city we already have a higher numbers of cyclists compared to other cities. I am sure new facilities would encourage even more people to cycle. I have long been an advocate for a cycle hire scheme and hope that if Abellio could provide facilities at the railway station then other locations, such as the University of East Anglia, the bus station or City College Norwich could add to the scheme in the future.

An Abellio spokeswoman said the company was looking at possible improvements and had a record of putting cycling at the heart of its operations.

Do you think more needs to be done for cyclists in Norwich? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk

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7 comments

Abellio are obviously expecting to provide an even worse service than NEEA and in anticipation customers can hire a bike for their journey when there's no trains.

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NR4

Friday, February 3, 2012
Norwich definitely needs better cycle routes as other road users really do not respect us cyclists - but I think this is a great idea. People DO want better cycle facilties at places like the station. I often used to cycle to work, park up, then have to walk a mile to the station to get a train. This would be so much better. And I DO know suited and booted's that bring their bikes on the train then get off and cycle so I think this is a service that WILL be used.

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ds1

Friday, February 3, 2012
Who is the target market for this? Who, arriving in Norwich by train is going to hire a cycle to reach their ultimate destination? Not the business man in his smart suit? Not the family returning from a day out in London? Not the daily commuter from Sheringham or Yarmouth etc. (he or she would surely bring their own cycle if that way inclined?) Possibly the occasional student or young traveller?

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AE

Friday, February 3, 2012
trouble with riding a bike in areas without controls is you are never more than 12 inches from an 8 wheeler Percy Stobbart or Norfolk Line doing at least 40-in cities with controls cycling is the only way to travel if you are fit enough which i wish i was but you still need eyes to the left and right of you and one facing backwards next to your seat.Potholes dont help either.

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Peter Watson

Friday, February 3, 2012
Quote from Crazy.. WHEN will the council start listening to its residents!?!?!?!? Erm when they are no longer in power, or Alan Waters and Branda Arthur resign aka Laurel and Hardy !

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chebram71

Friday, February 3, 2012
Brilliant idea.... BUT Norwich has woefully inadequote cycle routes and those that do exist are not fit for purpose. Making cyclists share a lane with Buses and Taxis that have no respect for cyclist is just a JOKE! Improve the cycle routes first THEN launch this scheme. Otherwise this just puts peoples lives at risk. WHEN will the council start listening to its residents!?!?!?!?

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Crazy

Friday, February 3, 2012
great idea but the Norwich roads are to dangerous for cyclists, used to cycle everywhere in Norwich but despite as a car driver as well obeying all the rules of the road had 3 serious accidents, all 3 drivers were prosecuted and I built up quite a sum in compensation but it put me off cycling for life

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blister

Friday, February 3, 2012