A pioneering new bike and ride initiative has been introduced to encourage travellers to make their journeys greener.

South West Trains has introduced a trial scheme at Richmond station, which gives commuters and leisure travellers the chance to hire a traditional or folding bike from £10 a day.

Some 50 traditional bikes and 20 folding ones will be available for hire as part of the scheme, which is being run in partnership between the rail operator, Cycling England, the Department for Transport (DfT) and Evans cycles.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “I am delighted to see this very innovative approach by South West Trains to increasing the number of bike and rail journeys around London.

“The scheme offers opportunities for both commuters and leisure visitors to Richmond and offers a real alternative to car use in the area.”

The new scheme is part of a £14m DfT initiative to improve facilities for cyclists at rail stations and encourage healthier, greener travel.

Bikes will be available to hire every day from 9am to 5pm and a lock, helmet, lights, high visibility jacket and a map of local cycle routes is included as part of the service.

People wanting to hire a bike can approach a member of Evans Cycles staff at the new visitor information stand in the main ticketing area of Richmond station or reserve a bike online by emailing richmondbikes@southwesttrains.co.uk.

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