Borrow a book, borrow a bike!

Adults and children can borrow bikes for free at Radcliffe Library and get more active in an environmentally friendly way.

The scheme is part of a Transport for Greater Manchester initiative to create a network of free bikes for people to use to promote the benefits of cycling.

There are six adult bikes and six junior striders to borrow at Radcliffe. Bikes are free to borrow; you will need to complete a Bike Library membership form and sign a disclaimer. If you are not a current member of any Bury library you will need to join up as well; please bring proof of your name and address.

You can borrow a bike for up to a week at a time and they can be returned at any time the library is open. A bike lock will be provided for the duration of the bike loan.

This is the first of the borough’s bike libraries, with more being opened up over the next few months.

Councillor Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities, said: “Libraries have always been the place to borrow books, and now you can borrow a bike as well. Both cycling and reading can help lift your mood and help reduce stress and at Radcliffe Library we can now offer both.”

And Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “This great initiative from Transport for Greater Manchester will help tackle issues in Radcliffe around health, fitness, congestion and climate action. It will also provide those who need it most a chance to be physically active for free, and I look forward to more Bike Libraries opening in the future.”

For more information, see Bury Bike Libraries - Bury Council

ENDS

Press release issued: 18 November 2022.

Photo: At the launch of the Radcliffe bike scheme are (from left) Tracey Kenyon (district nurse team leader), Nicola Dickinson (district nurse admin), Edina Sereg (clinical governance manager), Janet Stanton (Integrated Neighbourhood team lead), Jon Hobday (consultant in public health), Lee Buggie (public health specialist) and David Fielding (deputy head of libraries and archives).