A new temporary cycle storage facility is to be built next to Bristol Temple Meads station to allow for work on the £24 million roof refurbishment project to begin.
The new facility is due to open on Saturday 5 September and will match the capacity of platform 3 and 4, housing just over 450 bikes.
It will be located outside the station on Friary at Temple Quay and will feature a two-tier bike rack system which will be sheltered, lit and monitored by CCTV.
All bikes currently parked on platforms 3 and 4 will need to be collected before Sunday 6 September, from which date they will be transferred to a secure location before the old racks are dismantled. Owners will then have two months to reclaim their bikes before they are donated to charity.
All cycle parking on Station Approach will remain the same and open to passengers.
The new facility and location were agreed in partnership with British Transport Police and Network Rail will continue to work closely with them throughout the duration of the move. NR will also continue to share information and answer any questions from the local community including cycling forums and passenger groups.
Andy Phillips, Network Rail’s Bristol Temple Meads station manager, said: “We understand how much cyclists value the convenience of the cycle storage facilities that are available at the station and we want to provide the best possible experience for passengers by making the transition to the new location as smooth as possible.
“If passengers miss the initial deadline to collect them, they can rest assured that their bikes will be kept securely by the station team until Friday 6 November. All they will need to do is talk to a member of staff who will happily help reunite them.”
Claire King, GWR’s regional manager, said: “We’re excited to support the transformation of Bristol Temple Meads and recognise the need for platforms to remain safe and accessible during this work.
“Moving the bike storage facilities will allow station users to move about more freely and safely when the scaffolding is put later this year.
“I’d also like to remind those using our services that cycle space is limited on board trains and you will need to book a cycle reservation in advance should you wish to travel with your bike.”
Superintendent Mark Cleland, force lead for cycle crime at British Transport Police, said: “We’re working closely with Network Rail to ensure bike security at the new storage facility with high-visibility patrols, surveillance and educational events.
“To help us deter crime, we recommend that cyclists consider using more than one recognised security standard lock, such as a D lock, to secure their bike, and get their bikes securely marked and registered at www.bikeregister.com. Getting your bike registered helps police trace recovered cycles and return them to their owners, while also making your property less appealing to would-be thieves.”
NR hold free cycle surgeries to help passengers register their bikes and provide advice on keeping their property safe. Find out more about how to keep your bike safe on our website www.btp.police.uk/safety_on_the_railway/keeping_your_belongings_safe/cycle_crime.aspx.
Photo credit: Network Rail
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