New £190,000 cycle hub for Elstree and Borehamwood station

Rail users are set to benefit from a new £190,000 cycle hub at Elstree and Borehamwood station.

Govia Thameslink Railway has been awarded funding from the Department for Transport, via the sustainable transport charity Sustrans, to make a series of improvements for cyclists across its rail network.

Hertfordshire County Council has also contributed to the scheme at Elstree and Borehamwood station, which will see the construction of a two-tier system to accommodate up to 100 bikes in a bespoke cycle hub. The new LED-lit hub will also have CCTV, a maintenance area, bike detection system and cyclists will be able to access it for free with Key cards. Construction is already under way.

GTR’s Head of Environment Jason Brooker said: “Getting to the station by bike is not only good for the environment, but it has multiple health benefits for the cyclist. We also hope that people will feel more confident leaving their bikes at the station thanks to the new well-lit cycle hub and CCTV.”

Elstree and Borehamwood Mayor, Councillor Simon Rubner said: “I would like to offer my thanks and support to Thameslink for the improvements they are making to our station to encourage people to leave their cars at home. Cycling is good exercise for the rider, helps reduce congestion on our roads and helps keep our environment free of pollution.”

John Cartledge, a local champion of sustainable travel modes and a regular cyclist, added: “The proposed hub will be a great improvement, and I warmly welcome it.”

Anita Konrad, England Director at Sustrans – the walking and cycling charity, said: “Combining walking and cycling with rail helps people reduce their reliance on the car and makes for healthy journeys. The shift towards more sustainable modes of transport can also go a long way to alleviating congestion and air pollution in our towns and cities.”

HCC’s Derrick Ashley, Cabinet Member for Growth, Infrastructure, Planning and the Economy, said: “We were very pleased to support funding for this scheme which will encourage rail users to travel to the station by bicycle. This supports our Local Transport Plan in which we prioritise more sustainable modes of travel within the county.”

Rail, Cycling and Walking Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “I’m delighted that as a direct result of Government funding more passengers across the GTR network are able to park their bikes securely, making greener travel more convenient.”

Photo credit: Govia Thameslink Railway

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