Overview

Cyclepods provided space-saving and secure products to Poynton Railway Station in Cheshire to increase provision for cycle parking without losing any other facilities.

Requirement

The company was asked to identify locations at the station and propose space-saving racks. An unused area in the station car park was identified which was near to the platform entrance. Cyclepods proposed installing its easy-to-use gas-assist Easylift Premium two-tier cycle racks to maximise the amount of spaces in a small area. Cyclepods worked to guidelines in the Cycle Parking and Security Standards and made allowance for non-standard bikes.

Due to the geography and layout of the station, Cyclepods needed to provide secure formal cycle parking on the station approach to accommodate cyclists travelling on north and southbound journeys.

Cyclepods suggested its Police-approved Streetpods behind an Armco barrier to protect the Streetpods and bikes from vehicle movements using the station approach to service parcel lockers and a Network Rail access gate.

Project details

The project required Easylift Premium 2-tier racks, which feature in the Northern Rail Station Design Guide as its preferred 2-tier rack. EasyLift Premium has warm-to-touch, highly visible handles and a smooth glide action to pull the upper arm out. The upper arm lowers to floor level to ensure minimal lifting of the bike on to the upper arm. The gas-assist allows different body shapes and strengths to safely raise the upper arm to store their bike.

The Brighton cycle shelter gives weather protection to bikes stored beneath it. The open back and sides are not conducive to loitering and reduce the potential for vandalism. The solid roof ensures that the shelter is not blighted with algae growth or litter accumulation, and the white underside of the roof reflects the light back down onto the racks and reduces light pollution.

The Streetpod secures the whole bike with just one lock, as the front wheel is housed in the Streetpod and the back wheel and frame can be secured with the cyclist’s D-Lock to the solid bar securing loop. The bike is held securely and can’t be drawn back to access any quick release button.

The Streetpods for Poynton were made in Lancashire from 100% recycled material otherwise destined for UK landfill sites. They can be recycled at the end of their long life.

Outcome

The project, funded by the Cycle Rail Fund and Poynton Town Council, now offers rail customers secure free cycle parking amenities to encourage more cycle users and reduce the number of cars on the road.

Testimonial

“We’re pleased to announce the opening of the new cycle parking facilities at Poynton.

We feel that the opportunity for people to safely park their bikes will help incentivise people off the road and onto their bike – thereby reducing traffic on the roads near our stations.”

– Craig Harrop, Regional Director at Northern