Free bike checks for cycling train users this month

CYCLING commuters who take the train from Leamington station can start the new year with a free bike check.

Warwickshire County Council, the British Transport Police, Chiltern Railways and bicycle repair firm Bike Fixers are working together to run two ‘Pedal and Ride’ events this month, during which cyclists can, on their way to work, leave their bike at the station to be serviced by a mechanic free of charge. They can then collect them on their return.

People will also be offered the chance to register their bike with the British Transport Police to help deter would-be thieves and make it easier for officers to return recovered stolen bikes to their owners.

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To take advantage of the scheme, cyclists need to prove they have used the train three times in the two weeks prior to the event, for example by showing a valid rail pass or tickets.

Reduced-priced bike locks will be available to buy at the events, which are funded by Local Sustainable Transport money obtained by the council, and will be held from 7.30am to 10.30am and 3.30pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday January 22 and Friday January 25.

County councillor Peter Butlin, responsible for policy on transport, said: “It is great to be able to offer rewards to regular cycle commuters. By implementing measures to improve access to our stations, we hope to see an increase in the number of commuters choosing to get to them by foot, bike or public transport.”