Guidance sought by rail industry on how to integrate cycling

New guidance for the rail industry to improve opportunities for people to combine cycling and rail travel in their journeys is to be developed and the public has now been invited to have their say.

The Cycle Rail Working Group, which brings together the rail industry and other sustainable transport stakeholders, wants to hear the experiences of the public to ensure it reflects modern requirements. The survey, linked above, is live now and will close at 09:00 on the 9th of January.

Existing guidance was delivered in 2016, prior to the global pandemic and the cost of living crisis, as well as repeated calls for improved sustainability options in travel. The public are encouraged to give their thoughts on best practice formulas that work for all passengers, citing any best practice examples they have encountered elsewhere.

David Hibbs, Cycle Rail Programme Manager at Sustrans, the UK’s largest walking and cycling charity said: “We want to help people to combine the active travel of cycling, which is cheaper and healthier than car use, with rail travel. To get this right, we need to hear from the people who currently travel by cycle and rail, or wish to, so we’re inviting them to share their experiences.”

The Sustrans Walking and Cycling Index (2021) found that 64% of people across the UK would like improved cycling infrastructure that better links with public transport, such as secure cycle parking at train stations.

Giving people the choice to combine active and sustainable travel will mean healthier and emission-free options for local journeys to stations, with low carbon and high-speed transport over longer distances, especially for commuters.

Hibbs continued: “It’s high time this guidance was updated because the world has moved on since 2016, but if we’re to make any improvements, we must listen to what people want. The crucial question is really: ‘What would encourage you to cycle to the station?’ as we want to help people leave their cars at home to make local journeys through active means, such as walking, wheeling and of course cycling.

Dean Pettitt, Social and Commercial Development Manager at South Western Railway, added: “Rail travel is one of the most environmentally friendly mass transport options and the industry is always keen to find ways to encourage travellers to use sustainable methods of travel wherever possible.

“The feed-back from this survey will help the industry discover new ways to achieve this aim.”