Salford pedals towards net-zero target with exclusive access to TfGM’s Bee Network Cycle Hire scheme

From Wednesday 3 November, staff and students at the University will have early access to 30 bikes, including e-bikes, which have been installed across our Peel Park and Frederick Road campuses as part of the scheme. The scheme officially launches to the public on 18 November. 

Bee Network Cycle Hire is Greater Manchester’s first publicly operated, self-service, 24/7 cycle hire scheme, and plays a key part of Greater Manchester’s plan to provide a fully-integrated, London-style public transport system and become carbon neutral by 2038.

The scheme is being rolled out in three phases, with the University of Salford leading the way.

Mike Brown, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the University of Salford, said: “The University of Salford is recognised for its leading research on Active Mobility; the Bee Network Cycle Hire scheme is another example of how Greater Manchester is making tangible progress to decarbonising mobility.

“The University is working with partners across Greater Manchester on the Green Recovery and tackling Climate Change, the decarbonisation of mobility will help GM achieve its net-zero target.”

Operated by bike-share company Beryl, the bikes will be available to hire by downloading the Beryl app and registering an account. To get exclusive access to the bikes before 18 November, you must register with a University of Salford email address.

Pedal bikes will cost 50p to unlock and 5p per minute to use, while e-bikes will cost £1 to unlock and 10p per minute to use. When a ride is complete, users must return the bike to any Bee Network Cycle Hire station to confirm the end of the ride. If all the stands are full at a cycle hire station and users are unable to dock the bike, the bikes can be parked neatly, close to the stands and users will no longer be charged as the location is geo-fenced.

The bikes are GPS tracked, accessible and adaptable with automatic lighting, and carry the yellow livery and signature Manchester bee. They are available for staff and students at Salford to hire across a variety of locations on campus, including:
 

Peel Park Campus

• Maxwell Hall building
• Salford Museum and Art Gallery
• Clifford Whitworth Library
• Peel Park
• Newton Building
   

Frederick Road Campus

• Salford Crescent station
• Sanctuary Students, Broughton Road East
• Sanctuary Students, Frederick Road
• Entrance to Frederick Road Campus

Richard Nickson, TfGM’s Programme Director for Cycling and Walking, said: “It’s really exciting that the University of Salford is kicking off our Bee Network Cycle Hire scheme, where staff and students will have exclusive access to the bikes before we open to the public on 18 November. 

“I’d like to encourage all staff and students to get involved and give our bikes a go. The bikes are a great option for getting active, but if you want to save your legs, our e-bikes can do some of the work for you.” 

More bikes will be added to the fleet around the University, Media City and along Oxford Road in Manchester ahead of the public launch on 18 November for the general public to use.

The rollout of the cycle hire scheme will complete in June 2022 and will see a total of 1,500 bikes - including 300 e-bikes - available to the public.

For more information about the Bee Network Cycle Hire scheme, please visit this website.