ON YER bike! That's the cry at Lancaster train station where passengers are being urged to use pedal power in an exciting new scheme. Lancaster City Council, Virgin and Railtrack have joined together to provide safe storage for bikes at Lancaster station. The £4,500 scheme provides passengers with a secure facility for their bicycles whilst they are travelling around the city. Richard Fearn of Rail Track, said: "We are delighted to support this exciting joint venture. At Railtrack we are keen to meet the needs of rail users on their continued journeys. By introducing the 'bike and rack' service we hope to provide a convenient economic and eco-friendly form of transport for passengers leaving the station.

The council's traffic chief, Cllr Pat Rye, said: "Lancaster is fast becoming the most cycle friendly area in the North West. This is a result of our cycling strategy, which is at the heart of our integrated transport policies.'

He added: "We are making real improvements to cycling facilities and are working with the private sector and other agencies to achieve this. The new secure cycling units at Lancaster Station are an example to everyone of what can be accomplished."

Virgin Business Manager, Jane Brammer, said: "We welcome this eco-friendly form of transport for customers to reach our station and this latest initiative at Lancaster will hopefully encourage cyclists to 'bike n rack' when travelling by train."

Mark Johnston of Friends of the Earth said: "It's an excellent move and its great to see cycling being encouraged. These facilities will reassure people that their bikes are safe and secure. We also welcome that they've got the right price for this - free. It's important to have incentives to persuade people to leave their cars at home."

Cllr Pat Rye launches the new scheme

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