News

NORTHERN WINS TOP AWARD FOR CYCLING BLUEPRINT

26th October 2007

NORTHERN Rail has won a top award for its cycling strategy – and the judges were so impressed they said it should be a blueprint for other train operators.

Northern won the ‘Train Operator of the Year’ title at the National Cycle-Rail Awards for its cycling strategy, which includes taking bikes on its trains free of charge and without the need to make reservations.

In 2005 Northern Rail set up a cycle users forum, which brings together Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, the Cyclists Touring Club, local cycling clubs, Passenger Transport Executives and local authorities, to implement and develop its cycling strategy.

The judges said: “Northern Rail has taken a major step forward in cycle rail integration, helping to make the cycle rail experience a positive one, by providing a strategy that should be a blueprint for other train operators.”

Jo North, Commercial Director, Northern Rail, said: "We are committed to promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy way of starting and finishing your journey to a train station. We gave a lot of thought to our cycling strategy and this is a great vote of approval.”

Tom Harris MP, Transport Minister, opened the awards ceremony in London yesterday (25 October). He said: "We are all working towards a sustainable, integrated transport network that allows people real choices in the way they travel. Bringing bike and rail services together is an important element in achieving that goal. I congratulate all the entrants in this competition for their hard work making integrated bike and rail travel a reality. Their achievements are an example for the rest of the industry to follow.”