MORE than £180,000 is being invested in train stations in Dorset to encourage more rail commuters to travel by bike.

Cycling and Walking Minister Michael Ellis announced on Thursday that 2,300 extra cycle spaces will be built at 48 stations across England - enabling commuters to cycle directly to the station and lock up their bike securely.

The £6.8 million investment is part of the Cycle Rail Programme, which has now helped tens of thousands of cyclists to make their journeys to work more sustainable, the government says.

Bournemouth and Parkstone railway stations will get a total of £73,850 towards bicycle parking, while stations at Wareham, Gillingham, Weymouth, and Dorchester South will each get £27,500.

Mr Ellis said: “Cycling to your nearest station and catching a train to work is a great way to keep healthy, reduce emissions and help make our towns and cities vibrant places to live.”

“But to make this a reality, I know that the right infrastructure needs to be in place. This latest investment will see many more stations become accessible for cyclists, so that greener travel options – whether as part of a longer or shorter journey - become the norm.”

Xavier Brice, CEO for Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, said walking and cycling should be the “easiest way for everyone to get to their local station” but this was not always the case.

“Train operators and their partners have come up with a range of schemes that will make it easier for people to get to and from their station under their own power, which we hope will encourage more people to choose cycling and walking as part of their everyday journey.”