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

Weymouth, and Dorchester South will each get £27,500.

Cycling and Walking Minister Michael Ellis announced 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.

And while this is good news for travellers, people are reminded today is the first day of a five-day strike on the Weymouth-Waterloo line (South Western Railway services).

Fewer trains will be running today. See our story here

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.”

Phillip Darnton, Chair of the Cycle Rail Working Group, said: “This latest, most welcome grant to the Cycle Rail Working Group continues the Department for Transport’s successful funding programme which, over the last five

years, has directly led to the number of trips to and from stations by bike more than doubling.

“This cost-effective investment really does work.”

“Now, with the Government’s commitment to doubling all cycling journeys by 2025, we will be confident to put forward further schemes to ensure that high-quality cycle facilities at stations will keep pace with this future demand”.

The announcement coincided with Cycling UK’s national Bike Week, which raises awareness of different cycling options to get as many people as possible on their bikes.