On your bike!

We can reveal work is about to start to build a cycle hub at Gravesend station, accommodating more than 250 bikes.

It is the first time a figure has been given and a Southeastern spokesman said: “Building is due to start in the next few weeks and is scheduled to be completed during the summer.

“The hub will bring an additional 258 cycle parking spaces to the station.”

The news follow’s last month’s decision by Gravesham council giving planning permission for the project. It will provide a secure compound, CCTV cameras and lighting.

According to the Department for Transport (DfT) there is a lack of choice for sustainable travel to and from stations due to concern over the security and availability of cycle parking.

It is all part of a £14.5 million funding scheme from the DfT to improve cycle facilities at railway stations.

Gravesham’s share of the pot amounts to £684,160.

Politicians are increasingly beginning to champion more use of cycles as an ideal form of short journey transport.

The DfT reckons 55% of car journeys are under five miles and many of those could be made by bike, reducing the carbon footprint by abandoning the car.