Investment will ease journey from pedals to rail platform
Soon you will be able to cycle to work - part way at least even if commuting to London. Train operator Southeastern has been awarded £150,000 from the Government’s £40 million Cycle Rail Programme, which aims to help commuters make cycling a seamless part of their journeys.
The money is being matchfunded by Kent County Council and will be used to create a cycle hub at Maidstone East Station.
The project will also seeparking for 60 bicycles, as well as additional CCTV, lighting and a bike repair stand. Additional spaces will also be provided on the platform.
David Wornham, passenger services director for Southeastern, said: “The opportunity to use a sustainable transport mode to get to and from the station is very important to our passengers, who not only want to be reassured that their bike has a space available, but that it will be safe and secure while they undertake their journeys, and that other facilities will be on hand to maintain and repair their bike when they need it.”
Access links between the station and the town centre will also be improved for pedestrians and cyclists as part of the redevelopment of the station forecourt. The scheme will slow vehicle speeds and emphasise pedestrian connections between Week Street and Maidstone East, while signage will be significantly improved to direct cyclists to the station’s new cycle hub.
Martin Cox, leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said: “Maidstone East station is an important gateway to the town centre. These improvements to the station, in addition to the planned new ticket office and forecourt, will benefit existing passengers and encourage others to use the rail network for their weekly commute. Improving cycling and pedestrian access will establish important connections to enable more people to choose sustainable forms of transport.”