A new zone map of Greater Manchester’s upcoming cycle hire scheme has been revealed.
The 24/7 Bee Network Cycle Hire Scheme, phase one of what will eventually be a region-wide offering, will be operated by micromobility company Beryl and will consist of an initial fleet of 1,200 pedal bikes and 300 e-bikes.
Upon completion, the network will reportedly be one of the largest docked systems outside London. The scheme is part of Greater Manchester’s plan to provide a fully-integrated public transport system – the Bee Network – and become carbon neutral by 2038.
The new map outlines the zone where residents will be able to pick up and drop off hire bikes across Manchester, Salford and Trafford.
A closed trial of 30 Bee Network Bikes – docked near the University of Salford – will commence from November 3. Another 250 bikes will be added to the fleet around the University of Salford, Media City and along Oxford Road from November 18 for the general public to use.
By June 2022, total bike numbers will ramp up to 1,200 pedal bikes and 300 e-bikes, and more than 200 docking stations across the zone. The first cohort of docking stations will be installed from October.
Chris Boardman, cycling and walking commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Our ambitious cycle hire scheme is vital to the success of our network as it provides tens of thousands of people in Greater Manchester with an affordable, convenient, non-polluting transport option.
“Current figures show that up to 75% of households in Greater Manchester do not have access to a bicycle and this scheme brings us a step closer to changing that.
“We are determined to build a truly world-leading sustainable transport system in Greater Manchester and I’m pleased that the hire zone in our first phase will reach so many neighbourhoods in the city-region.”
According to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), docking stations will typically be between 300-500m apart, ensuring that up to 198,000 residents are within a five-minute walk from a Bee Network bike.
TfGM said the areas of Manchester, Salford and Trafford have been chosen because of their large resident population, high numbers of visitors, proximity to attractions and a high propensity to cycle amongst groups such as students.
Beryl, the scheme’s operator, said it has worked closely with key local stakeholders to ensure docking stations are in locations that are convenient for pedestrians and all other road users.
The Bee Network bikes, including e-bikes, will be available to hire via a mobile phone app. Under the initial proposed pricing structure, pedal bikes will cost 50p to unlock and 5p per minute to use, while e-bikes will cost £1 to unlock and 10p per minute to use. This means that a 20 minute journey on a pedal bike, once unlocked, will cost £1.50.
The locations of all the docking stations will be confirmed in the coming months while plans for a phase two should see the scheme expand further out of the regional centre.
