Thousands of rail commuters will be able to cycle to stations and lock their bikes securely under new government investment.

The funding will provide an extra 2,300 cycle spaces at 48 rail stations

The extra £6.8m in the Cycle Rail programme will see passengers at 48 stations benefit from 2,300 extra cycle spaces.

Cycling and Walking Minister Michael Ellis said: “Cycling to your nearest station and catching a train to work is a great way to keep healthy, reduce emissions and help make our towns and cities vibrant places to live.

“But to make this a reality, I know that the right infrastructure needs to be in place. This latest investment will see many more stations become accessible for cyclists, so that greener travel options – whether as part of a longer or shorter journey – become the norm.”

Last week also saw the Government announce updates to the Cycle to Work scheme, which now includes e-bikes in a move to help drive their take-up by commuters.

Commenting on the latest news, Darren Shirley, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said: “We welcome this investment, which will make sustainable door-to-door journeys easier for thousands of people. Government and local authorities should also focus on making cycle routes to stations safe and simple, including from new housing developments, to reduce their traffic impact and give residents healthy travel choices.”

Recent research by the charity showed the importance of making stations easier to get to by public transport, walking and cycling: 17% of people who live within 5 minutes’ walk of a station use the train multiple times a week, whereas only 2% of people who live more than 30 minutes’ walk away use the train multiple times a week.

“Being able to easily access your local train station by public transport, walking or cycling is key to boosting passenger numbers,” added Shirley. “Our research has shown how easy access to a rail station encourages use.”