Nominations for the 2013 National Cycle Rail Awards are opening today (28 May).
The rail industry has been working with the government to encourage more and more passengers to combine cycle and rail travel. Now in their ninth year, the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) National Cycle Rail Awards have played a key role in increasing cycle access to the railways by spreading best practice and improving communication across the sector. The awards recognise schemes, projects, cycling groups and individuals that have improved or encouraged greater use of integrated cycle-rail travel.
There are 10 categories, including a photography competition open to all, where members of the public can win £400 GoPro helmet cameras. While still free to enter, this year’s event will also raise funds for the Railway Children charity.
Supported by the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group and all members of the UK Cycling Alliance, the awards will be held at the Houses of Commons on 19 November and will be attended by parliamentarians and key players from the cycle and rail industries.
Conrad Haigh, ATOC’s Head of Integrated Transport, said: “ATOC, its members and their industry partners are committed to increasing and improving cycle access to the railways. Thanks to efforts and money invested over last few years, many passengers are now benefitting from some first class cycling facilities at stations.
“With more than £25m of schemes underway at over 315 major stations, I expect there to be some very interesting entries and stiff competition this year. Stations such as St Albans City – which recently boosted its number of cycle spaces to over 1,150, more than any other station in the country – are sure to be in the running.
“We want to hear from individual passengers as well as organisations, to nominate any stand-out examples and help us improve the cycle-rail experience for everyone.”