New cycle hub opened at Bolton train station

The new hub is one of six to be opened across the region by Transport for Greater Manchester — which were officially launched by transport minister Robert Goodwill.

TfGM has worked with station operator Northern Rail and the Department for Transport to open the new cycle hubs, which are under full cover, with CCTV coverage and swipe card entry.

Northern Rail will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the new hubs at Bolton, Manchester Oxford Road, Salford Central, Ashton-under-Lyne, Eccles and Hazel Grove stations.

Bolton bikers can park their cycles at the new hub for £10 per year.

Transport minister Mr Goodwill said: “The new cycle hubs will transform journeys for cyclists at these six rail stations, offering affordable and secure storage for passengers.

"As a cycling city, we are committed to getting more people on their bikes in Manchester with new routes, road improvements and better infrastructure.”

The cycle hubs are all part of the Greater Manchester’s vision to make cycling an attractive travel choice for everyone.

This will see more than £40 million being invested in cycling infrastructure by 2018 as part of the DfT-funded Cycle City programme.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM Committee, added: “It might just be the extra incentive people need to get on their bike for the short journey to and from their local stations, meaning a healthier lifestyle and taking more traffic off the roads.

"From just £10 a year to make sure your bike is safe and secure – it’s also a real bargain.

“Cycling is on the up and up across Greater Manchester and initiatives like the cycle hubs are key in helping us reach our long-term vision to become a flagship Cycling City.”

Richard Allan, Northern Rail’s commercial director, added: “Cycling is a sustainable and affordable way to keep active.

"These state-of-the-art hubs at our stations in Greater Manchester not only help us do our part to promote a healthier lifestyle for our customers but it also means our customers can rest assured while their bike is at our stations, it is safe, dry and secure.”

More information is available at www.tfgm.com/cycling.