People heading back to work after the summer will now benefit from new bike lockers at Yate Station.

Twenty weatherproof lockers have been installed in the station car park, offering secure bike storage for regular train users. Lockers can be hired via South Gloucestershire Council’s website.

The project aims to make it easier and safer for residents to combine cycling with rail travel and was delivered by the council with support from Severnside Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and Great Western Railway.

Heather Cullimore, manager of Severnside CRP, said: “Yate’s cycling community continues to grow and early research – funded by the Community Rail Development Fund – highlighted the vital role secure cycle lockers play in encouraging more car-free travel to and from the station.

“Severnside Community Rail Partnership was delighted to support South Gloucestershire Council’s bid to Great Western Railway’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund to cover the purchase and installation of the lockers, and to help ensure the scheme meets all relevant railway standards.”

Emma Morris, Great Western Railway’s senior community impact manager, said: “The Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in our communities in projects that really make a difference at a local level.

“As we mark Railway 200, it’s also a chance to celebrate the lasting impact the railway has had over two centuries – connecting people, creating jobs and supporting the growth and prosperity of the communities we serve.

“We’re delighted to support this initiative, which makes cycling to the station more secure and convenient for our customers, and helps more people choose greener ways to travel.”

Councillor Chris Willmore, South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure, said: “It’s fantastic to see these new cycle lockers being installed at Yate Station, providing residents with a secure and convenient way to store their bikes.

“Encouraging active travel is a key priority for us, and facilities like this make it easier for people to choose cycling for part of their journey, which will help to reduce car journeys and relieve pressure on local roads.

“We’re pleased to work with Great Western Railway and thank them for their support to help us deliver this improvement, which will benefit local people and support more sustainable travel choices.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Severnside CRP via their website.