The first docking stations set to be delivered as part of Manchester’s Bee Network cycle hire scheme have been installed at the University of Salford, with more set to be constructed over the coming weeks.
A total of nine new cycle hire stations, housing 30 bikes, have been installed across the university, where staff and students will be able to access the bikes on an invitation-only basis from 03 November.
Work to install more docking stations will continue at locations in Manchester and Salford ahead of a public launch starting on 18 November, when more bikes will be added to the fleet.
When complete, expected to be by June 2022, there will be a total of 1,500 bikes – including 300 e-bikes – available to the public.
The 24/7 Bee Network cycle hire scheme will be one of the largest docked systems outside London and aims to give hundreds of thousands of people an affordable, convenient and quick way to get around.
Richard Nickson, TfGM’s programme director for cycling and walking, said: “It’s really exciting to see the first cycle hire docking stations installed at the University of Salford, where we will be holding a short, invitation-only phase to test the scheme.
“Bee Network cycle hire is going to make cycling an accessible option for anyone in Greater Manchester, whether for a trip to the shops, to commute to work or to get to university.”
A zone map was revealed in September that outlined where residents will be able to pick up and drop off hire bikes across the regional centre. The scheme will be operated on a day-by-day basis by bike-share company Beryl.
The bikes will be hired using Beryl’s mobile app. Cyclists can then ride to their destination using them as they want, provided they are returned to a cycle hire station.
The scheme is key part of Greater Manchester’s plan to provide a fully-integrated, London-style public transport system – the Bee Network– and become carbon neutral by 2038.
Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for planning and sustainable development at Salford City Council, said: “It is great news that Salford is involved in this new scheme – it matches our ambitions to provide more transport options for local people which are carbon neutral.
“In the city we also have a scooter trial which has now been extended to Salford Royal and over 130,000 rides so far.
“We are pressing on with extending our cycling and walking network with ambitions to complete a further 19km of safe cycling and walking routes for residents to get around our great city over the next 12 months.”
