Bike hire scheme, Metrolink cycle storage and Fallowfield Loop to get £2m boost

Plans for a new Greater Manchester bike hire scheme, improvements to the Fallowfield Loop, and extra cycle storage on the Metrolink could receive a £2m funding boost.

All three projects have been chosen for the latest round of funding from the Mayoral Challenge Fund (MCF) set up by Andy Burnham to support walking and cycling schemes.

The MCF is primarily being used to deliver the first phase of the long-awaited Bee Network, which has been described as the UK’s ‘largest cycling and walking network’.

A bike hire scheme was described by Mr Burnham as an ‘integral part’ of this vision, and in May 2020 it was revealed that one was in development in Greater Manchester.

Around 1,500 bicycles will be made available in Manchester, Salford and Trafford as part of the first phase of the £10m scheme, which will be aimed at students, commuters and disadvantaged communities.

The new fleet was supposed to appear on the streets in spring 2021 but Transport for Greater Manchester says talks are ongoing with potential suppliers.

A spokesperson said: “We hope to be in a position to announce a supplier shortly, and we will then be able to provide an update on projected timings of the scheme launch.” 

Leaders insist that lessons will be learned from the failed rollout of Mobikes in Manchester, which in 2018 became the first city in the world to have the service withdrawn.

Some of the dockless bikes were stolen or badly damaged – but the new bikes will be docked in a bid to make them more secure than their predecessors.

The £1.3m requested of the MCF will help towards the ongoing procurement of the new bikes.

Elsewhere the fund has pledged £1.1m towards Manchester council’s plans to enhance the Fallowfield Loop and ‘Yellow Brick Road’ walking cycling routes to ‘achieve Bee Network standards’.

The 14km off-road path along disused railway lines and canal towpaths runs from Chorlton to Gorton and Fairfield, and is used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

A report by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority says: “The scheme will provide a safe space for people to enjoy local nature and wildlife spots, as well as providing for longer, strategic cycling and walking trips.”

Almost £250,000 will also be put towards improving cycle storage facilities at nine Metrolink stops on the Bury line between Queens Road and Radcliffe.

Existing storage will be replaced with new cycle shelters, better signage and lighting, as well as greater CCTV coverage.

“The project aims to provide consistent, high quality facilities across the stops and promote the use of cycling to access the Metrolink network,” says the report.

Leaders will meet to discuss the funding proposals at a meeting of the GMCA on March 26.

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