ST ALBANS railway station will soon boast more bicycle parking spaces than any other station in the country.

Covered two-tier racks are being installed this week in the Ridgmont Road car park, adding a further 176 bike spaces and boosting the total at the city station to over 1,150 places to place bicycles.

When completed, First Capital Connect (FCC) will have almost tripled the number of spaces at the station since 2006 when it took over the Thameslink franchise.

Station manager Steve MacCallaugh said that this is understood to be more than any other station in the country.

Herts county council (HCC) and the Department for Transport have provided most of the funding, to help reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the city.

Steve said: “We’re thrilled to think we’ll have the most number of cycle spaces of any station in the country. Cycling to the station is becoming ever more popular with our passengers.”

FCC customer service director Keith Jipps said: “We are delighted for our passengers who will welcome the extra places to securely lock their bikes.”

To mark the provision of a record number of bike spaces at the station, FCC is sponsoring the Rotary Clubs of St Albans charity cycle ride this Sunday, May 19.

FCC has been promoting the fundraiser with posters at the station and display screen adverts. The event’s 1,500 entrants will be wearing shirts bearing the train company’s logo.

Geoff Beale, president of the Rotary Club of St Albans Verulamium, said: “We like working with local companies and FCC is very keen on cycling so the two go together very nicely.

“Our ride raises over £30,000 every year for a lot of good charities so please come and join us for what will be a fabulous event.”