Lock It In, Newcastle: Why We Need Secure Bike Parking at Our Train Stations - and How You Can Help
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
For years, Newcastle riders have faced a simple but frustrating problem: there’s nowhere safe to leave a bike at many of our major train stations.
If you can’t securely park your bike, you’re far less likely to ride to the station. And that means fewer people using active transport, fewer public transport connections, and more reliance on cars.
The Problem
Across much of NSW, secure bike lockers and sheds are becoming a normal part of train station infrastructure. To get an idea of what Newcastle is missing out on, see the TfNSW page at https://bikelocker.transport.nsw.gov.au/ These secure facilities allow people to:
Ride to the station with confidence
Leave their bike safely all day
Combine cycling with public transport
But in Newcastle and the Hunter region, these facilities are limited or non-existent at key stations.
There is clear evidence that delivery has been delayed by a mix of prioritisation decisions, unclear responsibility, and funding constraints. Meanwhile, other regions continue to move ahead.
The result? Newcastle has been left behind.
Why This Matters
Secure bike parking isn’t a “nice to have” - it’s essential infrastructure.
Without it:
People are discouraged from riding to stations
Bikes are at risk of theft or damage
Potential public transport users choose to drive instead
With it:
More people choose active transport
First- and last-mile connections improve
Demand for car parking is reduced
Health and environmental outcomes improve
If we’re serious about building a more sustainable and connected Newcastle, this is a basic step.
The Opportunity
Here’s the key: community demand directly influences which locations get prioritised.
That means decision-makers are listening - but only if enough people speak up.
Right now, Newcastle simply hasn’t had the volume of requests needed to compete with other regions.
We can change that.
The Plan: Flood Them in June
The Newcastle Cycleways Movement is calling on all members and supporters to take action during June.
Our goal is simple: submit as many requests as possible for secure bike parking at Newcastle train stations.
If hundreds of people take two minutes to make a submission, it sends a clear and undeniable message: Newcastle needs - and expects - better bike parking.
Take Action (2 Minutes)
1. Submit a request
Use the official TfNSW page: https://bikelocker.transport.nsw.gov.au/suggest-new-location
You can request any station you use or care about, including:
Newcastle Interchange
Hamilton
Broadmeadow
Cardiff
Waratah
Fassifern…and others across the region.
2. (Optional) Send an email
Want to go further? Email directly:
3. Share the campaign
Encourage friends, colleagues, and fellow riders to do the same.
What Success Looks Like
Success isn’t just one installation - it’s a shift in priority.
We want to see:
Newcastle stations moved up the priority list
A clear commitment to delivering secure bike parking
A fair share of investment for the Hunter region
Let’s Make It Happen
This is one of the simplest ways to make a real impact.
It takes two minutes. It costs nothing. And it directly influences decisions.
If we act together - and act now - we can finally get secure bike parking where it belongs: at the heart of Newcastle’s transport network.
🚲 Submit. Share. Repeat.
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