TRANSPORT Minister Norman Baker today announced that more than £350,000 is to be invested in cycling facilities in Ely as part of a £62 million investment nationwide.

In one of the largest ever allocations of funding for cycling, MP Baker unveiled details of the Linking Places Fund for cycling facilities at Ely train station which will see sheltered storage with new signage, CCTV and lighting put in place.

The Transport Minister said: “We are serious about cycling, as this latest wave of funding shows. We have already seen how schemes can quickly deliver economic and environmental benefits, as well as improving public health.

“Anyone who rides a bike will know it is important to keep the impetus going and this record level of funding will provide a shot in the arm to cycling in England. Our ambition is to get people cycling more safely and more often and today’s announcements will help us to make that vision a reality.”

Cllr Peter Moakes, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The funding is great news for everyone who cycles to Ely railway station to catch a train. Over the next few months we are looking at how we can improve the ability of residents to cycle around our city in conjunction with the county council so this investment from the Government will help us to ensure we develop a coordinated approach throughout Ely.”

Over the last 12 months, the government has announced £107 million will be made available for cycling nationwide during this Parliament. Today, the government confirmed the allocation of funds for up to three cities to bid for a fund of up to £30 million to make cycling easier and safer for people in urban areas.

Plans for a fund worth up to £12 million to be made available to local authorities working in partnership with National Parks was also announced and a £15 million boost is set to be given to the Community Linking Places Fund to support schemes that improve cycle-rail integration and enhance community cycling locally.