Transport for Greater Manchester has announced plans for temporary cuts to the Beryl Bike scheme as it battles with problems surrounding the bike hire scheme
Beryl bikes have seen a recent spike in vandalism has resulted in a backlog of bikes needing repairs, resulting in fewer being available for people to use.
Described as temporary measures it Will prioritise cycle hire stations in areas of highest usage, with some low-usage stations temporarily suspended.
There will be a short-term suspension of around a quarter of the stations while Beryl work on the backlog of repairs and we intend to start reintroducing bikes back to these stations from September.
The operator Beryl will increase its street and workshop teams to collect bikes, tackle the repair backlog, and redistribute bikes.
There will be increased fines for users who do not comply with Cycle Hire rules around locking and returning bikes (unlocked and abandoned bikes are more susceptible to theft and vandalism).
Meanwhile the bike hire scheme will be joining the TravelSafe Partnership (TSP). Cycle hire staff are now deployed to TfGM’s control room – with access to thousands of CCTV cameras – to support enhanced monitoring of stations to target vandalism and antisocial behaviour involving the bikes.
Building on the success of Operation Avro – which saw 88 stolen or vandalised bikes recovered and a number of arrests made – further regular proactive operations with Greater Manchester Police’s dedicated Transport Unit will also look to target those who damage or steal the bikes.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “The Greater Manchester Cycle Hire scheme is extremely popular and well-used and an integral part of our plans for the Bee Network.
“Unfortunately, a spike in vandalism over recent weeks has resulted in fewer bikes being available for people to hire, but we’re confident that the changes being made will strengthen the service and enable us to restore the number of bikes out on the network as soon as possible.
“That includes enhanced enforcement, and right now there are people in the control room monitoring our bikes and stations and staff and police out patrolling the areas where our bikes are.
“People can be reassured that we will not sit idly by while a small minority wilfully vandalise or steal our bikes. We will take whatever action is necessary to ensure this scheme’s continued success and my message today is for everyone to please get behind our Bee Bikes, because they are there for us all to use and enjoy.”
Some cycle hire stations will be suspended temporarily so that there are more bikes available in areas where users have been most active.
People are advised to check the Beryl app to find their nearest active cycle hire station before their ride. If there is no available stand when returning a bike, users are asked to leave it as close as possible to the station and ensure it is locked.
