Honiton station selected for installation of Co Bike stations

East Devon District Council has revealed that Honiton station is to benefit from the installation of Co Bikes electric bike stations. This is to allow for seamless – zero carbon – onward commuting options.

It is one of two busy Devon railway stations to be selected, including Cranbrook.

The investment by South Western Railway is due to them successfully securing over £1 million in grants from government, local authorities and third-party funding sources to improve cycle-rail connectivity across their network.

Honiton is to be installed with a 10 e-bike station. Bikes can be rented using the nextbike app and will cost just £1 per 20 minutes (plus £10 deposit when registering, which is redeemable against trips). A day rate of £24 applies for trips between 8 and 24 hours.

To end the hire, they can either be returned to the same station, or any other station in the Co Bikes network.

Andrew Ardley, Regional Development Manager for South Western Railway, commented: "We're very pleased to secure this investment on behalf of our stakeholders.

"Onward travel from stations to local employment sites and other key destinations is an essential part of the total product that the railway offers – it doesn't just start and end at the station.

"Our customers are already benefitting from this network at Exeter St David's and Central – the addition of Cranbrook and Honiton will significantly expand our offer in East Devon, enabling customers to access major employers such as Lidl's distribution centre and East Devon District Council's new offices.

"We look forward to working with Co-bikes and Devon County Council on a further site at Pinhoe station. The e-bikes are a major step forward in comfort and ease of use."

Mark Hodgson, Managing Director of Co Cars and Co Bikes, added: "I am absolutely delighted to add two such important locations to the Co Bikes network, giving both residents and commuters a sustainable first/last mile commuting option from these two busy train stations."

The full list of 11 stations that will receive funding are Basingstoke, Bournemouth, Cranbrook, Dorchester South, Gillingham, Honiton, Parkstone, Salisbury, Wareham, Weymouth and Winchester.