SOUTH Western Railway (SWR) has been granted more than a million pounds to upgrade cycle facilities across its network, including in Salisbury.

SWR was successful in securing £1,041,850 in grants for stations across its network from government, local authorities and third-party funding sources.

Eleven stations, including Salisbury and Winchester, will receive "state of the art cycle hubs, community cycle repair facilities, double racked cycle spaces, extra secure cycle parking, and new E Bike docking points".

Amelia Woodley, Head of Sustainability for South Western Railway, said: “We know that many of our customers are environmentally-conscious and keen to keep fit and healthy by exercising on the way to their station.

"That’s why this £1million grant is such welcome news - customers will soon be able to use new cycle facilities across our patch.

“We’d like to thank the DfT and all of our local authority partners for recognising the positive impact that investment will have on these eleven stations.”

Cycling and Walking Minister, Michael Ellis, said: “Cycling to your nearest station and catching a train to work is a great way to keep healthy, reduce emissions and help make our towns and cities vibrant places to live.

“But to make this a reality, I know that the right infrastructure needs to be in place. This latest investment will see many more stations become accessible for cyclists, so that greener travel options – whether as part of a longer or shorter journey – become the norm.”

The eleven stations that will receive funding* (a total of £1,041,850 ) are:

  • Salisbury station – new cycle hub (74 cycle parking spaces) and e-bikes (10 for hire)
  • Winchester station – new community cycle repair facility
  • Dorchester South – extra double raced cycle spaces (12)
  • Gillingham – extra cycle spaces (12)
  • Wareham – extra cycle parking (12)
  • Bournemouth and Parkstone stations – extra cycle spaces (34)
  • Weymouth station – extra cycle spaces (12)
  • Basingstoke station (new cycle hub and cycle path)
  • Cranbrook and Honiton stations – E Bike docking points (30)