Yate commuters to benefit from bike locker boost
New lockers have been funded with a Great Western Railway grant
People commuting from Yate station will benefit from new secure bike, installed as part of a project which has received a £25,000 grant from Great Western Railway (GWR).
South Gloucestershire Council successfully applied for a grant from the train operator’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund, which was launched to support local communities and address areas of social need.
The focus of this year’s projects is a connection to the Railway, marking 200 years since it was founded.
As part of GWR’s National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, councils, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.
Twenty new weatherproof lockers have now been installed in the station car park, offering secure bike storage for regular train users.
The project was delivered with support from GWR and Severnside Community Rail Partnership and aims to make it easier and safer for residents to combine cycling with rail travel.
South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration, and Infrastructure, Councillor Chris Willmore, said:
“It’s fantastic to see these new cycle lockers being installed at Yate train station, providing residents with a secure and convenient way to store their bikes.
“Encouraging active travel is a key priority for us, and facilities like this make it easier for people to choose cycling for part of their journey, which will help to reduce car journeys and relieve pressure on local roads.
“We’re pleased to work with GWR and thank them for their support to help us deliver this improvement, which will benefit local people and support more sustainable travel choices.”
With the new lockers in place, the Council is encouraging residents to apply to hire one via its website.
GWR Senior Community Impact Manager, Emma Morris, said:
“The Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in our communities in projects that really make a difference at a local level.
"As we mark Railway 200, it’s also a chance to celebrate the lasting impact the railway has had over two centuries — connecting people, creating jobs, and supporting the growth and prosperity of the communities we serve.
“We’re delighted to support this initiative, which makes cycling to the station more secure and convenient for our customers, and helps more people choose greener ways to travel.”