Train operator bosses have launched a consultation about its new cycle strategy in a bid to improve provision for bike riders who use its services in the region.

Greater Anglia has installed more than 500 additional cycle parking spaces at stations across East Anglia since February last year, when its franchise begun, in addition to a number of other improvements, including launching cycle-hire schemes at Norwich, Colchester, Harold Wood, Manningtree, Romford and Southend Victoria.

But the operator is keen to ensure it continues to offer the best possible service to cyclists and has formally launched its new cycle strategy with a consultation process, seeking users' and stakeholders' views on its ongoing policies and plans for cycle facilities.

Greater Anglia has plans for more cycle hire initiatives, more Cycle Points to add to the one at Chelmsford which has cycle repair facilities, a bike shop, almost 1,000 cycle spaces and different types of cycle parking, including a 3,000 space hub at Cambridge for which planning permission has been secured.

It also wants to see a further increase in cycle parking facilities which would add to more than 7000 spaces already available at Greater Anglia stations.

The operator wants comments on these and other proposals, including the creation of a Greater Anglia Cycle Forum, which will meet twice a year to provide continued customer feedback and help prioritise further upgrades, by November 1.

Ruud Haket, managing director of Greater Anglia, said: 'We are pleased to launch our new cycle strategy and consult on future policies and plans.

'We welcome cyclists using our network and we are committed to improving cycle parking facilities at stations across our franchise area, to make it easier for travellers to use their bikes to get to and from the station.

'As befits a transport operator with strong Dutch roots, we have already delivered significant upgrades to cycle facilities since our franchise began just 18 months ago and we have plans for more improvements over the months ahead. We look forward to working with stakeholders and cycle users to further enhance our service for cyclists.'

Another initiative being considered by the company is the enhancement of facilities at stations on parts of the route where bikes are not permitted on trains to give passengers the option of cycling to and from the station even though they cannot take the bike on board.

Details of Greater Anglia's services for cyclists can be found on a new customer leaflet or via the website www.greateranglia.co.uk

Written responses to the consultation can be emailed to cyclestrategy@greateranglia.co.uk