Waveney MP Peter Aldous last week launched a new nationwide cycle hire scheme at Lowestoft rail station, as well as viewing other improvements made by train operator, Abellio Greater Anglia.

 

Lowestoft becomes one of the first rail stations in Suffolk to offer the new ‘Bike and Go’ initiative, the UK’s first major station cycle hire programme, which offers rail passengers the opportunity to hire a bike at their local station for an onward journey.

 

Peter Aldous officially launched the pioneering new scheme at Lowestoft rail station on Tuesday 18th February at 2.30pm. Providing low cost, rapid and convenient cycle rental, Bike & Go will be available at 15 stations operated by Greater Anglia to offer rail passengers greater choice about how they make their door-to-door journeys and is modelled on the Dutch Railways’ ‘OV-fiets’ station cycle hire scheme. The cycles are high quality and registration costs £10 for the annual subscription, which can be done via the website at www.bikeandgo.co.uk, and the daily hire cost is £3.80. 

 

Mr Aldous also viewed the recently installed new disabled toilet facility that is helping to ensure that the station facilities comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. The new facility is now complete and available for use.

 

MP Peter Aldous said: 

 

“I welcome these further investments in Lowestoft Railway Station, which will help make travelling by train more attractive and convenient and will encourage more people to come to the town centre where there is an increasing range of shopping and leisure attractions. Bike and Go is an exciting initiative which should prove very popular, particularly during the tourism season”

 

Andrew Goodrum, Abellio Greater Anglia’s Customer Service Director, said:

 

“We are delighted that the improvements at Lowestoft are now complete. Bike & Go will improve the service and choice that we provide for our customers who are keen to cycle to and from their local station. Competitively priced and easy to use, Bike & Go complements other investments we are making to improve cycle parking with more secure facilities and new Cycle Points, offering a greener and healthier travel choice for our customers.”