THE PUSH for a greener Grimsby has taken a giant leap forward after the new Cycle Lincs Hub at the town's train station opened for business.
A former postal room at the station has been transformed thanks to a partnership between Cycle Lincs, North East Lincolnshire Council and Balfour Beatty, and is set to open today.
Cyclists can enjoy a safe and secure facility for their bikes for as little as £1 a day.
The centre also includes a shower facility and toilets, and cycle maintenance staff will be on hand for repairs and servicing.
The new hub is the first of its kind in the area and is aimed at everyone, including workers, shoppers and even tourists.
It will be staffed between 8am and 6pm seven days a week and cyclists can also obtain swipe cards to enable access outside those hours.
Janine Walker, managing director of Cycle Lincs, said: "We think this is going to have a massive impact.
"We have been surprised at the interest shown so far, with many people asking if they can help out at the hub.
"There has been a spate of bike thefts in the area recently so to have a secure facility should be a big draw for people.
"We have space for 20 bicycles inside and 14 outside. There is 24-hour CCTV so you can be sure your bike will be secure.
"We are really looking forward to people coming to use the facility."
Cycle Lincs is a not-for-profit social enterprise which already offers the region's only mobile cycle hire service, delivering and collecting bikes door-to-door.
The hub idea was first mooted 18 months ago when Janine approached North East Lincolnshire Council, which was keen to help bring the vision to reality.
Cyclists can pay £1 a day to leave their bikes, or save money in the long term by paying £15 a month or £120 a year.
The building was left unused for more than 20 years before it was given a revamp by Balfour Beatty.
The new centre will have route maps and information guides for the local area – and will even have bikes that people can rent.
The cycle hub is one element in the £6-million transformation of Grimsby town centre, which includes the revamp of Station Approach and the Riverhead.
For more information about the hub, call 07842 679117 or visit www.heartofgrimsby.co.uk.
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