Reading Borough Council wins funding for cycle security improvements at Reading Station

Adam Linstead, a West End performer, cycles to the station on his way to work in London.

He complained on Twitter to Reading Borough Council (RBC) last month about the state of the racks at the northern interchange.

Mr Linstead said: “There are lots of abandon bikes and it’s just a bit of a mess considering it’s on the doorstep of the Town’s new station entrance.”

The West End performer, currently starring in Fiddler On The Roof, also raised concern about bike safety.

He said: “I know my wife and I have had saddles stolen so now use extra locks.”

The council responded that it had raised its query with its transport team but Mr Linstead took to Twitter again saying there had been “no change” to the “terrible” situation after more than three weeks.

Thanks @ReadingCouncil for the twitter reply. It’s been THREE AND A HALF WEEKS since I posted about the state of the Station Bike Racks and NO CHANGE. Have you had enough meetings yet? What is going on? @henleystandard @getreading @BBCBerkshire @MattRodda https://t.co/XhNDtZ1lWR

— Adam Linstead (@adamlinstead) August 9, 2019

RBC has now announced it has successfully secured funding from Great Western Railway to improve security at the cycle hub in the northern interchange and install signage.

READ MORE: Threat of legal action against cyclists lifted

A council spokesman said: “Cycle racks in the town centre, including those at the northern interchange, are monitored by the council on a monthly basis and any bikes that appear to be abandoned are tagged and removed within approximately 28 days.

“The council has successfully secured funding from Great Western Railway to improve security at the cycle hub in the northern interchange as well as the installation of wayfinding units.

“The project is being taken forward in discussion with Thames Valley Police and British Transport Police, and will include the installation of CCTV.

Mr Linstead said the funding announcement is “a step in the right direction security-wise” but said he was still concerned about maintenance of the racks.

He said: “Who is maintaining the racks? If there are checks, why are there broken racks piling up on the floor? Surely they could be easily fixed before someone trips on them?”

Hi @TevyeMarksonLDR This sounds like a step in the right direction security-wise. But who is maintaining the racks? If there are checks, why are there broken racks piling up on the floor? Surely they could be easily fixed before someone trips on them?

— Adam Linstead (@adamlinstead) August 20, 2019