Press Releases

13 November 2008

Two wheels from Europe to Manchester

Residents of Greater Manchester could experience a little bit of life on the continent if the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) proposals are approved – with the introduction of innovative bicycle hire schemes similar to successful models in Paris, Lyon and Barcelona.

Bicycle hire schemes have been running in these cities for several years and have proved to be a big hit with commuters and shoppers. If the TIF proposals are approved, the people of Greater Manchester could benefit from similar schemes in Manchester and Salford city centres, as well as Stockport, providing hundreds of bikes that will allow people to get around more easily.

Under the schemes, special bikes would be available for hire from automated racks using a swipe or debit card. After paying a small daily, weekly or annual subscription, bikes can be taken from any rack and returned to any other.

In Paris, for example, more than 2.7 million people have used the scheme since 2007 and there have been more than 14 million rentals to date, each bike being used on average six times a day. A dedicated maintenance team keeps the bikes in safe working order. Cyclists are responsible for their own safety and insurance.

Lord Peter Smith, Leader of AGMA, said: “Cycle hire in Paris has proved to be an innovative and successful scheme loved by both regular travellers and tourists. In just one year, cycle use has doubled and it is now hard to image the city without it.

“This is just the kind of forward-thinking project that we hope to deliver through the TIF bid, and I think that the distinctive cycles could become just as much a part of the city centre scene as Metrolink has become.

“Cycle hire schemes like this provide another option for commuters who want fast and convenient links with public transport.”

Cycling as a whole forms an important part of the TIF proposals, with investment into this key area set to provide 125 miles of safer and more convenient cycle routes and 2,500  new, secure bike parking spaces at around 250 locations across Greater Manchester.

The schemes operating in Paris, Barcelona and Lyon means users can either pre-register, or use a credit or debit card to hire a bike from on-street stands. Cycles can then be taken from one hire station and returned to any other. If the bike is not returned, a deposit is collected from the user’s account.

A recent survey of users in Paris found that 20% use their car less since its launch, and 61% of long-term subscribers use it to go to work or school.

In Manchester, the scheme would initially cover the main shopping, office and leisure areas, as well as the university areas of Manchester and Salford.

An initial scheme could open by 2011, covering the inner ring road and with racks near the main rail and bus terminals, tourist locations, shopping centres and public buildings.

A second phase, taking in Manchester University, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester Royal Infirmary, could open in 2012, along with a second area, running west from the city centre along the A6 corridor covering Salford University campus as far as Salford Crescent Station.

A scheme would also be developed in Stockport town centre.