ScotRail’s first cycle information board, produced by Spokes at ScotRail’s initiative, was unveiled at Linlithgow Station on Friday 11 September by the Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee, Patrick Harvie MSP.
A pdf of the information board is available in downloads – public transport.
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY SCOTRAIL…
An information board for cyclists was launched at Linlithgow Station on Friday 11 September. The board is part of an ongoing program to improve rail/cycle integration.
ScotRail, the train operator, worked in partnership with Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign, to produce the information.
It includes maps of the town and the surrounding area as well as information of use to people travelling by bike to and from the station.
It is hoped similar boards will be provided at selected other stations used (or potentially used) by significant numbers of cyclists.
The launch was attended by Patrick Harvie MSP, Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee.
Mr Harvie said: “If we are to tackle climate change and improve people’s quality of life, the train and the bike are both crucial parts of the solution.
“Making it easier to cycle to and from the train will really help get people out of their cars. This new information board is a good step in the direction of a modern transport network which is properly integrated with active travel.
“We hope to see the idea spread rapidly from Linlithgow across Scotland.”
Dave du Feu, Spokes lead organiser, said its members will now be asked to suggest other stations which could receive similar information boards.
He added: “We are delighted to have worked closely with ScotRail on this project. It is hoped it will increase cycle use locally and lead to similar initiatives at other stations.
“Cycle carriage on Edinburgh-Glasgow main line services is already amongst the most convenient in the UK and it is great that ScotRail is building on this by providing this information board for cyclists.”
Desmond Bradley, ScotRail€™s integration manager, said the board was aimed not only at existing cyclists but inspiring others to access Linlithgow Station by bike.
He added: “The board underpins our commitment to bike/rail integration, which includes improved on-train bike capacity and free bike carriage.”
The media is welcome to attend the opening at 10.30 on Friday 11 September. A number of local cyclists will be present.
Contacts:
SPOKES – Tel: 01506 670165 / DaveduFeuATmail.com
SCOTRAIL – John Yellowlees, External Relations Manager Tel: 0141335
4787 / john.yellowleesATfirstgroup.com
Notes to editors
The information board also highlights the convenience of getting about locally by bike. Commuters can see that it takes only six minutes, cycling at relaxed pace, from the Academy area to the Station. For leisure seekers, there is a 45-minute ride along the towpath to Polmont, or two hours to Edinburgh €“ with a choice of returning by rail in both cases. Several Sustrans national routes also pass in or close to Linlithgow – for example, the Round the Forth route.
The board is positioned close to the main station entrance and near the bike racks. Since10 bike/rail commuters can park in the space occupied by one car, more people commuting to the station by bike will help maximise use of parking space.
ScotRail€™s commitment to bike/rail integration also includes online and printed information for cyclists, and more cycle parking at stations. ScotRail is also working with cycle hire companies to provide discounts to rail users at selected locations.
A pdf of the information board is available on request from Spokes. Design work was by Tim Smith of Spokes Maps, and Linlithgow Cycle Action Group provided further information for the board. Both will be available at the opening.