Bike libraries are local hubs that will allow people to borrow a bicycle, like a book, to try out. They aim to boost access to cycles and give people a chance to give cycling a go.
Bike libraries are generally based in the heart of a community, within easy reach by foot, in places such as community centres, schools, village halls or local business premises.
Not-for-profit organisations can now apply for a grant of up to £5,000 to start a new bike library or grow an existing one.
A bike library is a simple concept. It’s a location where people can go to borrow a bike for free. Access to a bike is an issue in Greater Manchester (GM) with up to 75% of households not having one available. Therefore, even with the high-quality infrastructure being installed in many areas, if individuals do not have the ability to try it, maximum usage will not be achieved.
The intention of this project is to provide a number of new bike library locations, to fill gaps in provision, near to quality cycling infrastructure, where the local community can easily loan a bike and see if cycling is for them. Loan periods can vary in time depending on local and personal circumstances and the intention is to expand the network of libraries co-ordinated by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) with high level consistent branding and core values, but flexibility to operate to meet the specific needs of the local community on their doorstep.
Libraries will ordinarily be in the heart of the community, within easy reach by foot; be it community centres, schools, village halls or local business premises. Indeed, there are already examples of these across GM, TfGM’s role is to support expansion and to help set up where libraries will work best.
TfGM wishes to develop and support a network of bike libraries across GM and has secured funding from the Government’s Capability and Ambition Fund.
Deadline: 2 June 2023