Video: Leeds gets UK's first Dutch-style cycle hub

The project sees the addition of a cycling hub to the existing public transport interchange at Leeds City Station.

Based on a successful Dutch model, the Leeds Cyclepoint is the first of its kind in the UK.

Yesterday Norman Baker, MP, transport minister, and the Dutch Ambassador, Pim Waldeck, officially opened the new facility.

It is hoped that the new cycling hub, situated in the rotunda at the front of Leeds station, will give rail passengers the option to continue their journey by bike and ease pressure on the city's roads.

It will provide secure, fully manned storage for hundreds of bicycles, a maintenance and repairs service, bike rentals and information.

The project is based on a hugely successful Dutch concept. In the Netherlands, 39 per cent of all rail passengers arrive at their local station by bike and Cyclepoints are established at most major stations.

In the UK 60 per cent live just 15 minutes from a station, only 2 per cent of train passengers travel to the station by bike.

The project is being spearheaded by train operator Northern Rail and its joint owner Abellio. Partners include Network Rail, Metro, Leeds City Council and the operators of the facility, Evans Cycles.