Over 10,000 miles have been clocked up by riders on Greater Manchester’s new Bee Network hire bikes in the first four weeks the scheme has been active.
The scheme, which launched to the public on 18 November, means hire bikes are now available from multiple stations along Oxford Road, at MediaCityUK and at the University of Salford – making cycling a real option for commuters, cross city travellers and students.
On average the scheme is seeing users collectively ride over 270 miles per day, which peaked on the 19th November when users of the scheme clocked 572 miles on the bikes.
In total 10,406 miles have collectively been ridden (as of 20/12/21) – enough to cycle to Australia – with more than 6,400 rides registered on the scheme and over 2,800 people signed up.
Richard Nickson, Cycling and Walking Programme Director at TfGM, said: ‘I’m thrilled that so many miles have been ridden on Greater Manchester’s new hire bikes, especially with the cold and rainy weather we’ve had recently.
“Bee Network Cycle Hire provides easy, affordable access to bikes and plays a massive role our vision for an integrated, carbon neutral travel network – the Bee Network. It’s also really positive to see lots of repeat rides taking place – which demonstrates people are really taking to the scheme.”
“I would like to thank everyone for braving the weather and making the most of the scheme. If you haven’t given the bikes a go yet, download the Beryl app and give them a try!”
To hire a bike all people need to do is download the Beryl app, provide a few details, locate a bike, unlock it and start riding. Users can then ride a bike which must be returned to any of the available stations. Additional charges will be applied if the bike is not returned to a cycle hire station at the end of the journey.
Stations continue to be installed along Oxford Road with 250 bikes set to be available from January 2022, ahead of the scheme’s full launch in the summer.
The use of the bikes is being closely monitored and learning will be fed in as the scheme rolls out with phase one expected be fully up and running by June 2022, when the scheme will expand into Trafford.
Philip Ellis, CEO at Beryl, said, “As the UK’s leading micromobility company, our aim is to inspire more people to take up sustainable travel options, ultimately reducing road congestion and improving air quality and public health.
“Our schemes are delivered both in partnership with cities and in consultation with communities and key stakeholders; which ensures we can meticulously deliver the most beneficial and best possible service for users.
“I’m delighted that the Greater Manchester scheme is having such a positive initial impact and am excited to see how it continues to dovetail with their ambitious plans to develop a world class transport system.”
From June 2022 there will be a total of 1,500 bikes – including 300 e-bikes – available to the public. This will give hundreds of thousands of people an affordable, convenient and quick way to get around.
