A network of five facilities, supported by the Council and other partners, now offers bicycles, complete with helmets, locks, and lights, for loan to the public. One such initiative is the Broomwood Bike Library at Broomwood Community and Wellbeing Centre in Timperley, which has recently secured funding from Transport for Greater Manchester to enhance its storage capacity. A new sign, created by a local artist, now adorns the library, which has seen significant expansion over the past four years and currently has 10 bikes on loan.
Fran Robb, the volunteer caretaker, explained that borrowing a bike requires only photo ID and proof of address. Loans can last up to a month and are renewable. 'People take bikes to get from A to B, to go shopping, to take exercise and to get out in the fresh air,' Robb stated. 'We check all our bikes before they are hired and we always give people safety helmets, bike locks and lights.'
Local resident Nikki Johnson shared her positive experience: 'I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was a kid. I just wanted to give it a go. The one I borrowed had a basket so I used it for shopping. I cycled around and enjoyed the fresh air and the exercise. I will definitely do it again!' The bike library also partners with cycle specialist accident lawyers Two Wheel Claims, which provides serviced cycles, and accepts donations from other sources.
This development coincides with ongoing efforts by the Council and its partners to improve cycling infrastructure in Trafford. These include the creation and maintenance of dedicated cycle lanes and the provision of secure parking facilities at locations such as Stretford Leisure Centre, Stretford Public Hall, and move Altrincham.
In addition to Broomwood Bike Library, other facilities in Trafford include Woodsend Bike Library, Manchester Bike Kitchen at Sale Mall, Sale Moor Community Partnership at Sale West Community Centre, and Cycling UK based at Stretford Public Hall. A comprehensive list of Greater Manchester’s bike libraries is available on the TfGM website.
Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy and Independent Lives, expressed delight at the success and expansion of the bike libraries. 'Cycling is a great way for people to travel actively, getting from A to B or to simply take some exercise and enjoy our environment,' she said. 'Most of the borough is flat, meaning people of all ages and abilities can get on a bike, and as a Council we have tried hard to develop and improve cycleways including on the A56 corridor and our bike libraries are a great way to try out this timeless mode of transport free of charge.'
Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, highlighted the role of bike libraries in removing practical barriers to cycling. 'Bike libraries are a fantastic way of enabling more people to choose cycling for everyday journeys,' Storey commented. 'By providing access to a bike, alongside essentials such as lights, locks and the choice of a helmet, they help remove some of the practical barriers that can put people off giving cycling a try or getting back into it.' She added that these initiatives complement the wider work on cycling infrastructure and secure parking across Trafford, making cycling a more attractive option for work, education, and leisure.
