Bringing the latest news from respected sources...'Great work' by rail industry helps people make greener transport choices (ATOC)
A revolutionary automated bike hire scheme and the addition of 2,000 cycle spaces across one operator’s network were some of the achievements celebrated at this year’s National Cycle Rail Awards.
The awards, which are run by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), recognise the work being done by train companies, associated industry groups and individuals across the country to encourage the combined use of cycle and rail travel.
The rail industry is always looking for ways to work with local individuals and groups to improve access, security and information for passengers who want to get in the saddle.
Train companies understand that cycling offers passengers a low cost way to travel, has considerable health benefits and is environmentally friendly. The awards show the continuing progress that is being made in developing new facilities for cyclists by working closely with local communities.
This year’s winners include:
- The new fully-automated Brompton Dock Hire facility, which is helping to revolutionise cycle-rail travel. The system allows users to register online and pay for bike hire automatically using debit or credit cards. The 24-hour-a-day facility was first installed in July at Guildford station but has quickly been rolled out to four other stations with plans for installation throughout the UK by summer 2013.
- Paul Best from Southern Railway, who smashed a target of providing 1,500 new cycle parking spaces across the Southern network 19 months ahead of schedule, even adding a further 500 spaces for good measure. Paul has used innovative solutions to increase cycle provision including introducing several double-decker cycles racks and the company’s first cycle hub at Haywards Heath.
ATOC Chief Executive Michael Roberts said: “Cycling plays an important role in increasing access to the country’s railways and the rail industry is fully committed to making it easier for more people to combine cycling and rail travel.“We have seen a record number of entries to the awards this year, not only from train companies and other industry organisations but from individual cyclists.
“The consistently high standard of entries reflects a real commitment to improving facilities which both help those who have already decided to cycle, and encourage more people to get in the saddle.”
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “Cycling is great for your health and good for the environment so it makes sense to make it as easy as possible for people to cycle to the railway station.
“I am really impressed with the work being done across the industry to encourage the use of bikes to get to and from the station by improving facilities for cyclists at stations. This great work gives people more choice on how they make their door-to-door journey as well as making it easier for passengers to make greener transport choices.
“I hope that the success showcased here today will encourage others across the industry to take similar steps to encourage more of their passengers to leave the car at home and get to the station on two wheels.”
The winners were announced on Wednesday at a ceremony hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group, with a presentation from Transport Minister Norman Baker.
Industry fires opening salvo in battle over mega trucks.
Freight on Rail
In advance of Europe reviewing the legislation on sizes of HGVs (1), Kimberley Clark is trying to overturn a Government ban on 82ft HGVs, by commissioning flawed research which disregards the road safety, congestion and pollution impacts (2) of mega trucks on society, according to Freight on Rail.
The report's findings that mega trucks would have no significant impact on road safety lacks credibility given the increased dangers due to their size and lack of manoeuverability. Because of the double articulation needed for manoeuvrability in urban areas there is a serious loss of stability at cruising speeds which increases risk of snaking, for example changing lanes.(3)
The report does not address the fact that there is a seesaw effect with volume constrained loads wanting length increases, as described in the report, which are then imperfect for weight constrained product suppliers who then lobby for weight increases which leads to leapfrogging of HGV weights and dimensions (4). Furthermore, its omissions of fundamental economic analysis discredit the results.(5)
The promoters are claiming that these vehicles will be restricted to motorways, dual carriageways and major roads. However, trying to restrict mega trucks to dual-carriageways and motorways will not work; the reality is that these vehicles will need local road access to distribution hubs on local roads. (6)
Freight on Rail Manager, Philippa Edmunds said, "This partial report, which aims to get the Government to reverse its objection to mega trucks, dismisses the road casualties, road congestion (7) and pollution from mega trucks. The road haulage industry has an insatiable appetite for bigger lorries; there are already trials of 7ft (2.05metres) longer HGVs on UK roads and yet the industry is already lobbying for an additional 23ft (7 metres), with higher weight limits certainly the next item on their agenda. As almost half current sized lorries are driving around partially full and over a quarter of lorries entirely empty why would even bigger lorries be better utilised."(8)
She added that "Mega trucks would be disastrous for consumer rail freight, which, grew 11% last year despite the recession (9); road and rail complement each other so we need a balanced integrated approach to allow intermodal operations which customers want." (10)
Notes:HERE
Shedmaster Railway News
Read about Mallard 75 A series of commemorative events in 2013, including a never-before-seen gathering of all six surviving A4s at York.
Hop into the locomotive of the GE Juice Train and check out the view as its 48 hour trip
from Florida to New Jersey is accelerated into just a few minutes in this time lapse video.
(GE on YouTube)
World Heritage & Railway News
gwsr.com - During 2012 the GWR ran a photography competition in support of the Emergency Appeal. The judging took place last month and we can now announce the winners in the various categories.
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