New cycle hub set to open for Rochdale

With the success of the Tour de France passing through Rochdale last weekend there is yet more positive cycling news for the town as a new cycle hub, designed to encourage people to get on their bikes, is set to open next week.

The hub, which is ideally located next to Rochdale railway station and Metrolink stop, has been developed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in partnership with Rochdale Council and the NHS.

The hub has 42 cycle parking spaces, with lockers for storing cycle helmets and other cycling accessories. People who sign up to use the hub will be given a smartcard to access the secure facility which is entirely covered by CCTV.

Rochdale’s Cycle Hub is also the first TfGM facility to be powered by an innovative new system which uses the data network rather than traditional electricity, which reduces power consumption, making it cost effective and environmentally friendly.

The TfGM Committee Cycling Champion, Councillor Chris Paul, was joined by Rochdale Councillor Cecile Biant and members of Rochdale Cycling Club for a sneak preview before the hub opens to members next week.

Councillor Paul said: “The new cycle hub is great news for Rochdale, coming hot on the heels of a new town centre Metrolink stop and transport interchange.

“Cycling is a really important part of the transport jigsaw and being able to leave your bike in safety at the new hub will make it much easier to commute by bike.

“It's right next to the railway station and Metrolink stop, so I’d encourage people to think about getting out of their cars and on their bike for the first and last part of their commute or leisure journey.”

Councillor Cecile Biant, Cabinet Member for Public Health at Rochdale Council, said: “The cycle hub will be a fantastic addition to Rochdale’s rapidly extending transport network. Making exercise easier to do by providing a first class facility like this is crucial for keeping people fit and healthy, and it’s particularly appropriate that this should arrive just days after thousands of people lined the streets of Rochdale to watch the Tour De France travel through our borough.”

Kathryn Berry, Regional Director (North) for NHS Property Services, said: “NHS Property Services is pleased to support a project that will give the people of Rochdale a safe and secure place to secure their bike and continue their journey by tram or train.

“Cycling is a fantastic way to get exercise into your daily routine because it's also a form of transport. It saves you money, gets you fit and is good for the environment.”

Membership of the Rochdale Cycle Hub will cost just £10 per year, and will also give access to hubs already open at Bury and Ashton.

Research among existing cycle hub members has demonstrated real success with 60% having cycled more since joining a hub, and 33% having made the switch from the car.

More district cycle hubs throughout the region are planned as part of TfGM’s Better By Cycle initiative, which is being supported by the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

TfGM also offers free bike maintenance sessions and adult cycle training to either learn to ride, or improve on the road confidence.  

To find out more about cycling in Greater Manchester including how to become a hub member, visit www.tfgm.com/cycling or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.