Pedal and Go: Sheffield Station’s revamped cycle hub supports greener journeys
- Newly refurbished cycle hub at Sheffield Station has been opened
- EMR has invested £71,700 to enhance the hub, with a further £7,500 kindly provided by the Railway Heritage Trust
- Offers secure parking for up to 452 bikes across two levels
- Designated spaces specifically for family bikes, cargo bikes, and cycles designed for accessibility needs
- Also features CCTV, fob access, a lift, and a customer information screen
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has officially opened its newly refurbished cycle hub at Sheffield Station, strengthening its commitment to integrated, sustainable and accessible travel.
The revitalised hub – one of the largest of its kind at a UK station – offers secure parking for up to 452 bikes across two levels and is already the most heavily used cycle facility on the EMR network. With usage increasing, EMR has invested £71,700 to enhance the hub, with a further £7,500 kindly provided by the Railway Heritage Trust (RHT).
The refurbishment has significantly enhanced the look and functionality of the cycle hub. The entire main area has been redecorated, and the flooring on the lower level has been repaired and upgraded with a new anti-slip coating to improve safety. The toilet and changing facilities have received a light refresh, offering a more comfortable experience for users.
Accessibility has been improved through the installation of new bi-folding doors, making it easier for cyclists - particularly those with larger or non-standard bikes - to navigate in and out of the hub.
In support of this, EMR has incorporated four Sheffield Stand cycle hoops into the lower-level floor space, which are placed specifically for family bikes, cargo bikes, and cycles designed for accessibility needs.
To further support active travel, the hub now features a cycle repair stand, new wayfinding signage, and a community notice board to keep users informed and connected.
As part of the refurbishment, the space has also been decluttered. A number of abandoned bikes were removed and thoughtfully donated to A Different Gear, a local social enterprise that will refurbish them for reuse, helping to keep the bikes out of landfill and supporting community projects.
The secure hub features CCTV, fob access, a lift, and a customer information screen, providing a safe and convenient environment for cyclists.
Louisa Motsumi, Sheffield Area Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “We’re really proud to unveil this improved facility for our customers.
"At EMR, we’re passionate about encouraging active travel as a way to reduce congestion, lower emissions and support healthier lifestyles. This investment puts the cycle hub back in top condition and makes it easier than ever for people to choose sustainable ways to reach the station.”
Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of The Railway Heritage Trust said: “We have been happy to support the work which East Midlands Railway have undertaken at Sheffield. It is important that as much space as possible is used productively in historic stations, and it is good that this space is used to promote active travel to and from the station.”.
The enhancements have been welcomed by local transport and community groups.
Chris Morgan, Chair of the Hope Valley Railway Users Group, said: "It’s a smart, secure and well-used facility – and it’s free. Why not bike it to Sheffield station, then catch a train to the Hope Valley for walking or to hire a fancy electric mountain bike? Keep cars out of the Peak! Well done EMR for providing such a well appreciated facility.”
Andrew Dyson, Vice-Chair, Railfuture Yorkshire, said: “Railfuture is delighted to see the re-opening of the cycle hub at Sheffield station. The newly refurbished hub combines excellent facilities with the convenience of being located right inside the station buildings.
"The opportunity to store cycles in a safe and secure environment will undoubtedly prove very attractive – often a much easier option than taking a cycle on the train. This facility is another welcome step towards making active travel a real possibility for many.”
Dr Sam Chapman, South Yorkshire Transport Forum Co-Chair and Sheffield Chamber Board Member, said: " This is a fantastic step forward in supporting active travel and last mile connectivity across our city. It helps provide improved support for growing numbers of rail travellers, widening connections to less served travellers, all while supporting safer cycle storage and reducing emissions"