Bike facilities for North East metro and bus commuters

New “Streetpod” bike racks are being installed at Metro and bus stations for North East commuters who use public transport and pedal power.

The investment by Nexus, which owns and manages Metro, will double the number of stations with cycle storage, with 59 out of 60 set to have facilities at or near the station entrance.

Cllr John McElroy, a keen cyclist and Gateshead cabinet member for transport and environment, was one of the first to try out the new pods at Pelaw Metro station, one of 14 where they have been installed so far.

Cllr McElroy said: “It is important cycling to your local station simple and safe as well as a healthy and environmentally-friendly way to travel.

“These new Streetpods are a big improvement in secure storage at Metro stations and I look forward to seeing them appear across the system in the coming months.”

Tobyn Hughes, deputy director general of Nexus, said: “We are doubling the number of stations with cycle storage provided either by Nexus or the local council, to 59 out of 60.

“The new Streetpod design has been chosen in consultation with cycle groups to provide a secure storage point; the pods are physically more robust than typical ‘hoop’ cycle stands, and prevent front wheels being removed. This underlines our commitment to work with cyclists to make it easier to enjoy Metro.”

More than 50 pods have so far been installed at 14 Metro stations, out of 300 that will be installed at 59 stations in total. Stations with pods include: South Shields, Chichester, Hebburn, Pelaw, Felling, Gateshead Stadium, Jesmond, Fawdon, Bank Foot, Callerton Parkway, Chillingham Road, Byker, Manors and St James.

As well as Metro stations they are to be installed at five bus stations, including Concord in Washington, Hetton, Blaydon, Winlaton and Killingworth.

Nexus plans to use funding from the Government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund to introduce larger secure cycle storage at major transport interchanges from next year.

Passengers can already travel on Metro with bikes that can be folded, and the improved storage makes it easier for people with other types to leave them safely at stations.

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