MORE railway stations should be bike-friendly, a Huddersfield-based transport pressure group claims.

Cycling centres should be set up at major stations, where cycle repair facilities and advice and information on off-road routes and catering should be available.

Peter Roberts, chairman of the Association of Community-Rail Partnerships, based at the Brian Jackson Centre, Huddersfield, said: "There are great opportunities for the railways to promote cycling.

"This is particularly so in popular tourist areas.

"We want to see more bike hire facilities at stations and improved accommodation for bikes on trains where space and loading permit.

"Encouraging regular commuters to get on their bikes to their local station makes sense when car parking space is in short supply."

His group is also calling for flexible space in trains which can accommodate cycles and other luggage.

One of its suggestions is for a dedicated `bike train' comprising a two-carriage train adapted for carrying large numbers of cyclists and their bikes.

Cycle parking facilities are available at Huddersfield railway station, Dewsbury, Batley and Mirfield.

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said: "We are interested in working with the Association of Community-Rail Partnerships, Metro and train operating companies to improve the cycle parking facilities at railway stations.

"And we have provided comment on the Strategic Rail Authority's draft cycling policy."

Comments from all five West Yorkshire local authorities have been compiled by Metro, the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive."