BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Facilities for bicycles and cycle commuters are being considered ahead of the development of Crossrail stations, BikeBiz has been told by Crossrail Limited.
The Crossrail project will improve transport links in London and the South East using a high frequency rail network. Nine new stations will be created along with 21km of new tunnels.
Encouraging, BikeBiz has learned that cycling won’t be an afterthought in the design of the network, with locations being scouted for likely cycle parking sites.
In a move likely to please cycle advocates, transport interchange improvements – linking buses, taxis and cycle facilities – are in the works too, including cycling in a wider ‘transport solution’.
Crossrail said that "the type of cycle facilities installed [will] make the most of the latest equipment available", adding "where possible, facilities could be put in place prior to Crossrail starting in 2018".
A Crossrail spokesperson told BikeBiz: "Crossrail is looking at plans for secure cycle parking at stations along the Crossrail route, working closely with TfL. Cycle parking forms part of Crossrail’s wider public realm scheme that will help create 92,000 square metres of improved public space outside the new stations. This will include transport interchange improvements such as improved connections with buses, taxis and cycle facilities.
"Initial design work is underway for public realm improvements at London stations and is due for completion by the end of the year. The focus at this stage is identifying suitable space for cycle parking, with consideration of using existing available space such as empty railway arches and underground spaces. Once suitable space has been identified and allocated, detailed designs can then take place closer to the start of Crossrail services in 2018 ensuring the type of cycle facilities installed make the most of the latest equipment available. Where possible, facilities could be put in place prior to Crossrail starting in 2018."
IMAGE: Crossrail.co.uk
