Despite the attentions of local miscreants, our new high security cycle hub at Meadowhall station is now officially open, after staff from Northern Rail and David Hibbs of the Cycle Rail Fund metaphorically cut the ribbon.
David Hibbs of the Cycle Rail Fund and Russell with staff from Northern Rail at the official opening of the Meadowhall high security cycle hub
A week before the opening ceremony, Russell found a vandal had attacked the glass door, which disabled the access system. All the bikes inside remained safe and secure, but access was unavailable for a couple of days while we sorted out the replacement door and locking systems with Northern.
“There were a few teething troubles working through the issues following the vandalism, but now we know what to do we can rectify any further problems like this within hours,” said Russell. “We’re sure this kind of vandalism will be uncommon now the Hub is seeing more use, but now we’ve ironed out the lock and replacement issues we can act quickly if we do ever see any more problems.”
He added that Hub members will be able to report any problems directly in future, with details provided on sign up for the Hub membership.
The Meadowhall Hub has space for 40 bicycles, including provision for adapted bikes or cargo bikes, and was funded by the national Cycle Rail Fund. We’re now liaising with the fund, and Northern Rail, and hope to have more station-based hubs within our network before too long.
Meadowhall Cycle Hub access door, before and after
Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern Rail, said: “We’re pleased to announce the opening of the new cycle hub, we feel that the opportunity for cyclists to safely park their bikes in the facility will help reduce car traffic on the roads and encourage people to cycle to our stations.”
“The old, key or fob operated bike shed is now a thing of the past for modern bikes that might cost several thousand pounds,” said Russell.
“We know cyclists in today’s world are asking for safe, high security parking, for e-bikes, cargo bikes and specialised cycles for people with disabilities, as well as traditional bikes. A safe place to park encourages more people, especially those with more expensive cycles, to make more cycle trips so we’re really grateful to Northern Rail for providing this up to date cycle hub that will increase cycling in Sheffield and Rotherham. We think it will increase rail journeys too for people who can now safely access the railway station by bike.”
Signing up for the Meadowhall Cycle Hub will also provide access to our growing network of high security cycle hubs, including Sheffield City Centre in the New Year, with more to follow.
Sign up at: https://www.russellsbicycleshed.co.uk/secure-cycle-parking