Amanda Taylor

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Liberal Democrat minister launches cycle-rail toolkit

by admin on 24 August, 2012

Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, has launched a Cycle Rail Toolkit aimed at providing thousands of cyclists with easy access to rail travel.

The Toolkit, produced in partnership with the Train Operating Companies and cycling groups, will provide specific guidance to railway companies on how they should improve cycle-rail integration. It includes clear recommendations on ‘U’ shaped channels, which should run out at ground level, a key issue among cyclists at Cambridge station.

It comes after the Minister announced an extra £7 million for cycle-rail integration earlier this year, on top of the new £560 million Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

Commenting, Julian Huppert, Member of Parliament for Cambridge and Co-Chair of the Lib Dem Transport Committee, said “I am delighted that the Government is pushing forward with proper cycle-rail integration. “I’ve worked very closely with the Minister over the last few months to make the case for better investment in cycling provision. For far too long cycling has been at the bottom of the transport agenda, and investments have been, at best, ill-considered, and at worst a mere sop to us cyclists.

“It’s fantastic to finally have a Minister of State who listens to the concerns of cyclists, and is willing to push for proper investment from both the Government and the Train Operating Companies. I will now push very hard for Greater Anglia to adopt these proposals, and sort out the cycling provision at Cambridge station.”

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