'Are there no lifts?': Commuters blast new station cycle hub after it emerges bike garage is only accessible using stairs

Richmond Council unveiled the newly constructed 650 capacity bike storage facility, located at Richmond Station in South West London, earlier this month.

However, the unveiling left many commuters asking the same question - namely, is there a lift?

Located on the first floor of the facility, the storage unit is only accessible via a staircase, with a thin guide ramp for bike wheels running alongside.

Photos of the cycle storage facility surfacing online were met with widespread mockery, as one Richmond cyclist remarked: "Are there no lifts?"

The design has left many cyclists baffled - including presenter Jeremy Vine, who weighed in on the debate, adding: "I refuse to believe this".

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"That's an odd choice at best, not bringing an expert in this sort of thing would it be unreasonable to suggest there should be simple ramp access," one X user continued.

Adding: "Even for people able to use stairs it's far from ideal. Hard to believe this isn't deliberate, but probably not."

According to the council, the leafy transport hub situated close to the River Thames - a location popular among cyclists, is used daily by thousands of commuters.

Designed to make it "easier for residents", the council says the travel hub aims to "support a cleaner, healthier and more vibrant town centre," where "people don’t need to rely on cars".

Except, the ground floor of the building has been given over to vehicle parking, with bikes relegated to the floor above - a space only accessible using a staircase.

Backed by a £664,000 investment from Richmond Council, the solar-clad building was delivered in partnership with South Western Railway.

Producing around 24,500kWh of renewable energy each year, the council aimed to promote "greener travel and better infrastructure in the borough".

"This is the only entrance to the much vaunted new cycle hub for 650 bikes at Richmond station," wrote one user on social media.

"Only Alex Ehmann and Gareth Roberts could oversee the installation of inaccessible bike parking in the heart of their borough," X user @OpenChiswickW4 added.

"Well done lads (slow handclap)".

Following the official launch of the cycling hub, Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “This new cycle hub is an absolutely top-notch facility for Richmond and a fantastic example of partnership working that delivers for both residents and visitors alike.

“I’m delighted the Council has played a key role in bringing it to life," he added.

"It also reflects two of our key priorities – encouraging more active forms of travel by providing facilities so people don’t need to rely on cars, and continuing to invest in Richmond Town Centre.”

However, the launch left many unimpressed.

One user commented: "They are all standing proudly outside the new Richmond cycle hub."

"What an achievement you might think. What a commitment to cycling in a Borough that loves SUVs," they added.

"Until you see the only access to the bike parking and then it all makes sense again.

"Bravo lads"

A Richmond Council spokesperson told LBC: "Richmond Council is committed to ensuring that all residents and visitors can access sustainable transport safely and conveniently.

"We take feedback on accessibility seriously and are continuously working with partners to improve facilities across the borough.

"At the new Richmond Cycle Hub, the facility offers a range of ground-level parking options – including around 50 stands for standard bicycles and 12 dedicated bays for non-standard bikes such as trikes and cargo bikes.  The possibility of a lift was carefully considered but was not taken forward due to fire and safety requirements – including evacuation procedures – as well as the cost and ongoing maintenance this would require.

"This approach is common among cycle hubs elsewhere, and there is significant space at ground-floor level to ensure residents, particularly those with accessibility needs, can use the facility safely. This week, Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Services Committee, joined local cycle groups and South Western Railway (SWR) for a planned walkabout to discuss the final phase of works at the Richmond Cycle Hub.

"As part of this, several options are already being explored – including improved access for non-standard bikes, clearer signage, dedicated e-bike parking and strengthened security. Solutions will be implemented in partnership with SWR where feasible.

"The multi-storey hub, equipped with 24-hour CCTV coverage linked to the Council’s Joint Control Centre, provides more than 650 secure cycle parking spaces – making it one of the largest facilities of its kind in the country. The Council is proud of the new Richmond Cycle Hub, which supports green travel and encourages more people to cycle.

"Through collaboration with SWR, the Community Safety Partnership, and local cycling groups, we remain committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and accessible environment for everyone, while promoting sustainable travel across Richmond upon Thames."