Bid to solve cycle parking problem stopped in its tracks

9.43.11am GMT Thu 14th Jan 2010

Nichola Harrison

A bid solve the shortage of bike racks at Cambridge railway station has been stopped in its tracks.

Cambridge County Council has offered to pay for extra cycle racks if rail operator, National Express East Anglia will offer some land at the station for the new parking area.

But the company is reluctant to do so because it would mean losing income from valuable car parking spaces.

Cyclists often find it difficult to securely park their bikes at the station because dumped and disused bikes fill up the racks.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor, Nichola Harrison said: "This is a situation which could be easily solved if National Express East Anglia were to work with us. But, instead, we are encouraging people to cycle and the company is pulling in the opposite direction.

"There is a serious shortage of cycle parking at the station and this is made worse by the poor management of the parking that is there. By offering a small area of land, NEEA could help to solve this problem. But it appears the company is only interested in helping commuters when it can guarantee a financial return."