Virgin Trains has been announced as the newest member of British Cycling’s #ChooseCycling network.

The train operator joins almost 40 other major businesses representing over 250,000 employees – including GlaxoSmithKline and National Grid – in pledging its support for the campaign, which is a key part of British Cycling’s aim to turn Britain into a true cycling nation.

The network, formed in March 2015, works to promote cycling as an everyday transport option; highlighting the role cycling can play in helping business thrive, encouraging people to live healthier lives and making Britain a more pleasant place to live.

Steve Tennant, executive director of customer experience at Virgin Trains, said:

"Virgin Trains are really pleased to be part of the #ChooseCycling Network. We love cycling and we are always looking at ways to make it part of the experience for our customers on the West Coast Mainline, whether you are commuting to work or discovering a new city on a weekend away. Our trains can take up to four bikes, and on our Pendolino trains there’s even space for two tandems. It’s free, but remember to reserve your space in advance.

"You don’t have to bring your own bike though; at our Manchester, Stoke-On-Trent and Warrington stations, we’ve teamed up with Brompton to create Britain’s most innovative bike hire scheme, and many other destinations on the West Coast Mainline now have their own bike hire schemes too, making getting around affordable and good exercise."

Representatives from #ChooseCycling member companies meet twice a year to discuss ways in which the cycling agenda can be promoted, sharing best practice and lobbying key political figures to deliver on their promises to ensure cycling is a safe and accessible transport option for all.

British Cycling campaign manager, Martin Key, added:

"It is fantastic to see the network expanding at such a rate, and for a company with the profile of Virgin Trains to be pledging their support.

"Since the network was formed earlier this year, we have had extremely encouraging dialogue with member companies, and we have made genuine progress towards our collective goal of transforming Britain’s towns and cities for the better."