Above: Cycle Hub at Broxbourne station (credit: Greater Anglia)

Greater Anglia has completed a security upgrade at a number of its station cycle hubs to help keep customers’ bikes better protected.

Secure cycle hubs are gated cycle parking spaces at stations across the Greater Anglia network, providing extra protection compared with standard cycle parking.

The hubs include an emergency exit button for safety. Greater Anglia has now upgraded the emergency release mechanism so that it automatically re-locks 60 seconds after it has been used.

The auto-relocking upgrade, which took around three weeks to complete, has been introduced at secure cycle hubs across the network, including Harlow Mill, Cambridge North, Whittlesford Parkway and Bury St Edmunds.

The improvement gives customers extra reassurance when leaving their bikes at stations by helping ensure the hubs remain secure after the emergency release has been used.

Customers can access secure cycle hubs using their smartcard through a £25 annual subscription.

Completion of the project coincides with Rail Safety Week, which runs from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 June. The industry-wide, industry-led initiative focuses on rail safety for all, including passengers, rail colleagues and the wider communities served by the railway.

Andrew Goodrum, Greater Anglia’s Infrastructure and Major Projects Director, said:

“Many customers rely on their bikes to get to and from the station, so it is important they feel confident using the cycle facilities we provide.

“This upgrade strengthens the security of our cycle hubs while keeping important safety features in place.

“It is a practical improvement that will help make cycling to and from our stations safer, easier and more convenient.”

The upgrade also supports the wider move towards GBR Anglia, with c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia working more closely together under one leadership team as part of the region’s journey towards Great British Railways. Improvements to station cycle facilities are one practical example of work that can help make local journeys easier and more joined up for customers.