The ‘Bee Network’ cycle hire scheme has seen huge growth in popularity, with over 30,000 active users, Transport for Greater Manchester confirms.

Bee Network cycle hire currently have 8 bike stations located in Salford, two in Media City and six around the University campus.

Residents can unlock a pedal bike for 50p and ride for a further 50p per minute, with a 10 minute bike ride totalling only £1.00.

A Spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester confirmed: “Cycle hire usage has continued to grow since it launched in November 2021, especially with the introduction of more bikes and stations.

“We are now seeing record numbers of rides, averaging rides two rides per bike, per day. We currently have over 30,000 active users making in region of 1000 journeys a day.

“There have been 10, 321 rides made starting at the stations in Salford this year – from a total of 118,015 rides in total.”

The cycle hire scheme is self service and is available 24/7, perfect for students and city commuters.

Transport for Greater Manchester continued: “The cycle hire scheme was created so that more people had access to bikes and could use them as an affordable, accessible and sustainable form of transport.

“When completed, we will have 1,500 bikes – including 300 e-bikes – available from stations across Manchester, Salford and Trafford.”

With the last two years seeing cuts to public transport leaving hundreds of regular users without a form of transport, the bikes offer an alternative method of transport.

In April 2022, several night buses were cut, including the 36. The 36 ran until 03:10 on weekends and connected Manchester to Salford, Swinton, Walkden and Little Hulton. With more train strikes and bus cuts announced daily, it is useful to have other forms of transport to travel around the city.

The #BeeActive scheme is helping give Salford residents another option of commuting that is affordable and flexible.

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