CYCLE storage at Solihull Railway Station has doubled giving more rail users the chance to park their bike.
The new facility has space for 60 bikes and has been installed to give commuters the opportunity to avoid traffic congestion and parking fees.
The cycle storage was installed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), in partnership with Chiltern Railways and Solihull Council.
Alongside this Chiltern Railways have undertaken a £280,000 refurbishment of Solihull Station upgrading the booking hall, waiting areas and toilets.
The station’s CCTV system also covers the bikes.
Solihull Council has also improved the paths leading to the station under its Town Centre Approach Scheme to make it easier for people to walk and cycle.
Earlier this year TfWM set aside £23million from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund grant to pay for cycling and walking infrastructure, including dedicated cycle routes.
Sandeep Shingadia, director of development and delivery for TfWM, who officially opened the new facility, said: “By providing this facility we are making it easier for Solihull Railway Station users to cycle and leave their bike in a secure location. I would encourage them to make use of it.
“We need to change the way people travel in the West Midlands and cycling, as part of the wider transport network, can play a key part in reducing congestion, tackling pollution and improving our health.”
Chair of the Friends of Solihull Station Ian Henson said: “This is a good idea to help lessen the amount of the traffic and ease congestion around the town centre.
“Not only can it help with congestion, but its healthy for people to cycle, so we are very pleased to support this.”
David Heathfield, head of corporate affairs for Chiltern Railways said: “We encourage our customers to travel by sustainable means wherever possible and welcome this investment from TfWM.”
