Legacy fund will improve Scotland’s railway cycling infrastructure

A £2 million cycling legacy fund has been announced to promote and enhance the cycling infrastructure and services across the railway network in Scotland.

The announcement was made by Patrick Harvie MSP, Minister for Active Travel, and comes ahead of this year’s UCI Cycling World Championships to be held in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3rd to 13th August.

For its part, ScotRail has unveiled eye-catching green signage that will be carried by all of its fleet of trains. The vibrant livery will be displayed above train doors and guide cyclists to designated parts of the train where they can safely board and secure their bicycles. Similar bright blue signage will also be displayed on accessible carriages, to ensure inclusivity for all users.

In addition to the new signage, ScotRail’s mobile app is also to be upgraded which will allow users to conveniently reserve cycle spaces directly through the app; until now this feature was only available on the ScotRail website.

The legacy fund will also allow a Cycle Hub to be created at Inverness and Fort William stations that will provide cyclists with enhanced amenities, including secure bike storage, maintenance facilities, and useful information about the local area. Last November, ScotRail entered a partnership with Brompton Bicycles to provide free bike hire in Inverness, Oban, and Elgin

To accommodate the growing demand from cyclists using Glasgow Queen Street, its Cycle Hub is also to be redeveloped work to increase the number of bike spaces available and provide improved accessibility.

As part of its support for Scotland’s cycling community, ScotRail is also to forge a closer working relationship with the sustainable transport charity Sustrans. This partnership will make it easier to exchange knowledge and expertise, which will ensure a better understanding of cyclists’ requirements and encourage continuous improvement in cycling infrastructure and services across Scotland’s Railway.

It is hoped that the cycling legacy fund will leave a lasting impact on Scotland’s railway cycling landscape, with the ambitious investments and initiatives planned to be completed within the next year.

Patrick Harvie MSP, Minister for Active Travel, said: “I’m pleased to announce our £2 million active travel investment across Scotland’s Railways. This will make it easier for people taking the train to consider using the bike as part of a wider sustainable journey.

“This investment comes ahead of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, where I’m determined that the Championships extends beyond elite sport and works to support a revolution in everyday cycling.

“The Scottish Government has committed to spend at least £320 million, or 10 per cent of the total transport budget, on active travel by 2024-25. This will help us deliver more innovative projects like this and make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday trips – benefiting our health, well-being and environment.”

David Lister, ScotRail Safety, Engineering, and Sustainability Director, said: “By enhancing cycling infrastructure and rail services, the 2023 UCI Legacy Cycling Investment Programme will create a lasting legacy that will benefit both residents and visitors alike.

“Whether people are cycling for work or for leisure purposes, this £2 million investment will encourage even more people get out of cars and travel in a more sustainable way.

“It reflects our commitment to promoting active and sustainable travel options, and I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our cycling community.”

Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive Officer, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said: “This investment will leave a lasting legacy of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

“The new branding on ScotRail’s trains will really help people when they’re out travelling with their bikes, and we’re really pleased that the Championships have been a catalyst for this.”

Lee Craigie, Ambassador for Active Travel, said: “The effort ScotRail is making to encourage cycling on the network is very welcome indeed and, in my opinion, surpass those of any other rail operator in the UK right now.

“The new livery and changes to booking bikes on trains does more than make travelling with your bike easier. It sends a clear, visual message to all rail users that ScotRail recognises the value of integrating cycling with train travel.

“This will have untold benefits to the active travel agenda in Scotland.”