Cycling infrastructure plays an important part in promoting sustainable urban mobility within Britain's public transport system.
The Cycle Rail Toolkit 3, developed by the Cycle Rail Working Group in collaboration with Sustrans, offers a comprehensive guide for integrating cycling and rail travel.
This Toolkit is particularly relevant to Broxap's mission of providing innovative cycle parking solutions. Improving the rail network will encourage more people to travel by train, reduce traffic congestion, and benefit the environment and societal well-being.
What is the Cycle Rail Toolkit?
The Cycle Rail Toolkit series began as an effort to enhance the accessibility and convenience of combining cycling and rail travel. The first Toolkit, released in 2012, provided basic cycle rail guidance for station managers and local authorities to encourage cycling to and from train stations. The second version, released in 2016, expanded on this foundation, incorporating more detailed design standards and case studies for railway stations.
Network Rail's Chair, Rt Hon Lord Peter Hendy CBE, played a crucial role in launching and providing guidance on the Cycle Rail Toolkit 3, highlighting the collaborative effort to make end-to-end journeys more attractive for rail and station operators.
The Cycle Rail Toolkit 3, released in 2023, builds upon the previous versions by adding recent advancements in cycling infrastructure and policy changes. This reflects the growing emphasis on sustainability and active transportation, which goes hand in hand with the scheme outlined by Active Travel England.
Introducing Cycle Parking
Introducing high-quality cycle parking at rail stations will get more people cycling and keep their bikes safe and secure.
The Toolkit emphasises that Britain's public transport system should have "Free, quick to access cycle parking, such as Sheffield stands, alongside compounds, two-tier racks with gas assist and other long stay parking options."
At Broxap, our cycle parking solutions work for everyone at all rail stations—from short-term parking for commuters to long-term storage for extended travel.
Case Studies
Cycle Rail Toolkit 3 includes numerous case studies that demonstrate successful cycle-rail integration. The Toolkit offers guidance to station operators, train operating companies, and other relevant parties on making cycling to and from railway stations easier.
Broxap has contributed to various rail sectors, showcasing how our innovative parking solutions have enhanced station cycling infrastructure.
Ainsdale Railway Station
Virgin Trains Mainline Stations
Gloucester Railway Station
Sheffield Stands
Sheffield Cycle Stands are a classic and popular cycle parking solution. They are simple, robust, and easy to use for short and long-term parking.
Our Sheffield Cycle Stands are made from high-quality materials. Durable and vandal-resistant, they can be installed in many different areas and configurations to maximise space and accessibility.
Two-Tier Cycle Racks
Two-tier cycle racks are ideal for space maximisation, especially in areas with high cycle parking demand. They allow double the capacity in the same footprint as a standard cycle rack, reducing bike traffic congestion.
Our Easi-Riser 2-tier racks have user-friendly features such as easy lift mechanisms so all cyclists can use them safely and comfortably.
Once installed, two-tier cycle parking should also have instructions on how to use it and numbered bays so people can book spaces and report faults. Numbering also helps with theft, usage, and abandoned cycles.
Take a deep dive into two-tier cycle racks by reading our previous blog.
Cycle Lockers
Cycle lockers are the way to go for cyclists who want extra security and shelter from the elements as they provide individual, enclosed spaces.
Broxap’s cycle lockers, such as our Chell Cycle Locker or our Sheffield Horizontal Cycle Lockers, can fit different types of bikes, including e-bikes. They have robust locking systems to prevent unwanted access.
We also have a convenient and secure storage solution for folding bicycle users. This is ideal for use in train stations, as well as many other public areas, retail parks and workplaces where it's not suitable to carry a bike around.
Cycle Compounds
Cycle compounds offer secure, covered parking for larger numbers of bikes. These compounds are fenced and gate-controlled, making them very secure.
At Broxap, we have an extensive range of cycle compounds, which are modular and scalable, such as our Blox range, which can be easily expanded as demand grows.
You can also customise cycle compounds with extras like lighting, CCTV and maintenance stations to keep bicycles safe and secure for users at train stations.
Stafford Train Station
Wigan North Western Station
Cycle Hubs
Cycle hubs are a new concept being rolled out in the UK. They consist of a range of facilities that offer cyclists helpful services and amenities. These hubs often include secure parking, repair stations, and rental and retail services.
They are designed to be community focal points, encouraging cycling through added convenience and support services.
Community rail partnerships can be created with train operating companies to include solutions with advanced features such as:
- Real-time information systems: Providing cyclists with up-to-date information on parking availability and station facilities.
- Smart parking solutions: Enabling secure, automated access and payment systems.
- E-Bike charging facilities: Supporting the growing use of electric bicycles with integrated charging points.
Dundee Railway Station
Altrincham Interchange - Transport for Greater Manchester
Broxap's Cycle Rail Toolkit Guidance
The toolkit aims to make cycling a viable option for more people by providing detailed practical guidance on the design and delivery of cycle-rail facilities. As cities struggle with congestion, pollution, and climate change, the principles and practices in this Toolkit can help create more sustainable, liveable cities.
At Broxap, we are proud to design, manufacture, and install accessible and convenient cycle parking so that cycle rail travel can operate more seamlessly.