South West Trains has picked up three awards at this year’s National Cycle Rail Awards for the steps it has taken to encourage cyclists onto the rail network.
The train operator scooped the sought after ‘Operator of the Year’ after impressing judges with the measures it has taken, both on and off its trains, to accommodate cyclists and deliver an improved service to them.
South West Trains’ Stakeholder and Accessibility Manager Phil Dominey was also named joint winner of the ‘Cycle Champion of the Year’ award after being nominated by local authorities and independent bodies in recognition of his enthusiasm and commitment to delivering greater transport integration for cyclists.
The judges remarked on Phil’s passion and dedication in improving the cycle experience for passengers.
In addition, Eastleigh Borough Council won the ‘Local Government Partnership scheme’ honour in partnership with South West Trains.
The rail company was also ‘Highly Commended’ in the same category for its partnership with the London Borough of Richmond.
As well as its general approach to welcoming cyclists on trains, South West Trains was commended for innovative projects designed to make a positive difference to cyclists such as the launch of the UK’s first ‘self-service’ Brompton Bicycle rental scheme in Guildford earlier this year.
Through partnership working with local authorities, South West Trains has delivered around 1500 additional bike spaces, introduced three cycle hire schemes and installed six new secure cycle compounds.
The infrastructure schemes are complemented by behavioural change initiatives such as security tagging, bike breakfasts and bike surgeries.
Jake Kelly, Customer Services Director at South West Trains said:
“These awards are great recognition of our significant investment into cycle facilities.
“We have consistently championed the needs of cyclists, taking steps to make travel by train easier for those using their bikes in the South West.
“We would like to thank our local authority partners for all their continued support and together we plan to make further improvements for cyclists.”
The judges said: “Through partnership working, South West Trains have delivered more cycling facilities than any other train company and have shown innovation with new concepts such as Brompton Dock, a vending machine for hiring folding cycles at Guildford station.”
The annual Awards, supported by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) was held at the House of Commons in London on Wednesday 2 November and recognises best practice in improving facilities and conditions for bicycle users.
Although the headlines for SWT’s are generally good the rural stations between Basingstoke & Fleet which are subject to restrictions under the peak hour cycle ban have very poor cycle facilities and could do with a lot more as those that are there are either full or nearly full for much of the time.