Liberal Democrats Introduce The Cycle Safe

6.54.25pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 10th Oct 2004

Jane Carr, Councillor Graham Eaton and Charles Kennedy at The Cycle Safe

Milton Keynes cyclists can celebrate as a unique facility opens in Milton Keynes. The Cycle Safe, in Witan Gate, is the first unit of its kind in the UK and is designed to meet every need of the commuting cyclist.

Bikes are securely stowed within the unit in individual bays and each subscribing cyclist has their own electronic key giving them access to a changing area and a drying room, where soggy clothes can be hung to dry during the working day. There are six showers where you can freshen up before heading to the office - or even for a night on the town - plus secure lockers allocated to each individual cyclist.

With all these facilities plus underfloor heating and air conditioning, the Cycle Safe takes away worries about the weather, concerns about arriving at the office looking sweaty and dishevelled and all the problems related to securing your bike and your possessions while you are at work.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Graham Mabbutt said: "We have invited everyone who originally expressed an interest to come down and have a tour before they sign up. Those already signed up have also been given times over the next few days to collect their entry cards. It really is a fantastic concept and we hope it will encourage more people to cycle to work."

The Cycle Safe has already had the thumbs-up from Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy, who toured the unique facility when he visited Milton Keynes earlier this year.