Cyclists

First Capital Connect recognises the many benefits of making our stations and train services cycle-friendly. Our cycle strategy is designed to encourage people to use cycles on our network by providing improved access, parking and security at stations, as well as a clear fair and sensible policy for carrying cycles on trains.

We have also worked hard to make the option of leaving bikes secured at stations attractive so that cycling becomes a real option for our customers. To find out more view the cycle restrictions map.

Milestones

Since taking over the franchise in April 2006 we have worked closely with several organisations. They include Hertfordshire County Council, Norfolk County Council, St Albans City and District Council, City of London, Huntingdonshire District Council, Bedford County Council and Transport for London. Through this partnership approach we have invested over £200,000 at 30 stations.

A lot of the work carried out has been extensive and involved totally renewing the existing facilities. We’ve introduced sheltered parking at many of our stations and provided CCTV too.

We are also planning additional new cycle facilities at the following stations:

- Flitwick
- Luton
- Potters Bar
- Hatfield
- Meldreth
- Bayford
- Bowes Park

We have also:

• Launched an Abandoned Cycles policy
• Separated cycle and motorcycle parking where possible
• Produced cycle route maps at 11 most heavily used stations by cyclists
• Produced new cycle parking signage
• Produced security signage: ‘How to protect your bike’
• Won the top award at the National Cycle Rail Awards 2008!

Cycle Security

We know that cycle security is important, not only for existing cyclists, but to encourage greater cycle usage. We have held several security days at a number of our stations and offered free security tagging and registration of bicycles. Teaming up with the British Transport Police and St Albans Council gave us the opportunity to provide 600 tamper alarms free of charge.

Importantly, over the past year, there has been a 29% reduction in cycle crime in the most ‘at risk’ part of the FCC route, while cycle crime across the whole route has been reduced by 2%. This is mainly due to improved customer awareness and the work of Police Community Support Officers, raising their visibility in crime ‘hot spot’ areas.

“British Transport Police, in partnership with FCC, is working hard to reduce crime and ensure a safe railway environment for the travelling public and rail staff across the FCC network.

Dedicated Crime Reduction Officers constantly explore ways in which stations can be made even safer than they already are, and with an increase in customer vigilance and awareness, we have seen a reduction in cycle theft on FCC lines.”

British Transport Police

Cycling as part of the bigger picture

Sustainable transport is an important part of the First Capital Connect Environment Plan. The plan seeks to reduce the impact of our operation on our neighbours and the environment as far as possible.

One of First Capital Connect’s four core values – to be a ‘company for tomorrow’ – demonstrates the importance we place on reducing the impact we have on the environment. In recognition on the work we have carried out to minimise our environmental impact we have become the first train operating company in the UK to become ISO 14001 accredited.

Cycle Route Maps

• City cycle map
  (see also the alternative travel arrangements page on the Thameslink Programme website)

The following National Cycle Route maps are available in PDF format for viewing online and/or download:

• Bedford cycle map
• Harpenden cycle map
• Hatfield cycle map
• Hertford cycle map
• King's Lynn cycle map
• Letchworth cycle map
• Luton cycle map
• St Albans cycle map
• St Neots cycle map
• Stevenage cycle map