Rider using a Bee Bike in Greater Manchester

Success for Greater Manchester bike share scheme

Beryl and scheme partner Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have picked up a prestigious industry award, highlighting the success of the region’s bike hire scheme.

 

Phase one of the Greater Manchester Cycle Hire scheme has won the Transportation Project of the Year Award (under £5m) at the CIHT North West Awards 2023. The award recognises outstanding examples of projects that demonstrate a contribution to the mobility of the community in the north west of England.

Launched in November 2021, the scheme is managed and funded by TfGM, on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and operated on a day-to-day basis by Beryl. Since launching, the scheme has expanded across the city and now serves a wide range of employment, retail, education and leisure hubs such as the universities, the city centre and Media City. 

Its bikes and e-bikes have generated over 320,000 journeys across more than 800,000km, saving over 22 tonnes of harmful carbon emissions according to industry calculations. 

Beryl CEO and co-founder, Phil Ellis, said: “We’re obviously delighted to have won this prestigious award alongside our partners and it just further reinforces how successful the scheme has been in its first 18 months.

“Manchester is a forward-thinking city with a clear vision for decarbonising its transport system and for promoting and encouraging active travel.  

“What the success shows is that, when delivered both in partnership with cities and in consultation with communities and key stakeholders, bike share can form an essential part of integrated multimodal urban transport schemes. 

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in its design, delivery and ongoing success and look forward to seeing it become even more established.”

Iain Baxter, Bee Network Cycle Hire Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to have our cycle hire scheme recognised by the CIHT in winning this award.

“Working in partnership with the operator, Beryl, we’ve successfully launched a cycle hire scheme that’s now part of city life for the people of Greater Manchester, boosting people’s access to cycling and enabling more people to get from A to B on a bike.

“The cycle hire scheme supports our broader ambition to deliver the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated transport network that connects all forms of public transport, including cycling and walking.”

For more information, visit https://beryl.cc/scheme/greater-manchester

“Working in partnership with the operator, Beryl, we’ve successfully launched a cycle hire scheme that’s now part of city life for the people of Greater Manchester, boosting people’s access to cycling and enabling more people to get from A to B on a bike."

Iain Baxter, Bee Network Cycle Hire Manager