TfGM invites communities to apply for bike library funding

TfGM are encouraging more people to cycle with this latest round of funding for community bike libraries.
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More people in Greater Manchester could soon have access to bikes, thanks to the roll out of the bike library scheme across the region.

Transport for Greater Manchester are inviting groups and organisations to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to help set up or expand a bike library in their community. There are currently 29 funded bike libraries in the city area, and this new round of funding includes provisions for an additional 18.

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The free-to-use scheme allows people to borrow bikes, which are available in a variety of sizes, and encourages them to make use of new cycling infrastructure that has been installed as part of the Bee Network. It also helps recycle and make use of unwanted bikes.

How does the funding work?

Bike library funding is available to non-profit community groups and organisations that have access to quality cycling infrastructure. Ideally, applicant groups will need to have access to quality cycling infrastructure in the local area, so that people can use the bikes more easily.

The grants are designed to support groups in setting up a new scheme or improving existing ones, rather than buying bikes. The money can also be used for cycling tools or facilities such as storage containers, or to provide bike mechanic training. New bike libraries will also receive marketing support from TfGM’s Active Travel team in promoting their library.

Only two-wheeled bikes are currently available but, in the future TfGM will be working with organisations like Wheels for All to help make sure that the options are expanded for people who require non-standard cycles.

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Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner, said: “Bike libraries are already enabling more people to access cycling on their doorstep and I am pleased to confirm that the next round of funding is now open to applicants. This is an exciting opportunity to build on our existing network of libraries and enable even more people to try cycling for free in a way and at a time that is right for them.

“If you’re part of a group or an organisation in the heart of a community that is easily accessible by foot, you could be ideally placed to run a bike library and enrich cycling provision for local people in your area.”

For more information about the scheme and applying for the grants, head to the TfGM Bike Libraries webpage or email [email protected].