Buying, borrowing and renting bikes in Manchester
Looking to get wheeling around Manchester? If you've not cycled much before, or never really considered cycling as an option when moving around Manchester, now's a great time to start!
Whether it's by using rental bikes dotted around the city, or picking up a pre-loved bike online, cycling is super accessible, good for your health, planet-friendly and cheaper than lots of other modes of transport. So, we thought we'd help to get you started by highlighting 4 ways you can get pedalling in MCR!
1.Rent a bike
There are a bunch of bike rental options throughout the city from the new city-wide Bee Bikes network to smaller local hubs, this is a great way to travel around without needing a bike of your own! There are also a number of new bike libraries across the city, local hubs that allow people to borrow a bicycle, like a book, to try it out. Find out more here.
2. Drop in for some repairs
If you or someone you know has an old bike lying around that’s seen better days, there are lots of hubs dotted around Manchester where you can take them to be repaired and serviced. Places such as Platt Fields Bike Hub and Station South in Levenshulme offer lots of excellent services to get you pedalling again.
3. Buy second-hand
Thanks to the likes of Facebook Marketplace and Ebay, there are load of pre-loved bikes out there that are suitable for all ages and levels. And in Manchester you can also head to Suez’s Renew Hubs, where there are often lots of refurbished bikes to choose from.
4. Inclusive cycling
There are a number of projects across Manchester that support people with disabilities in learning to cycle. As trikes can be more expensive than regular bicycles, initiative such as the GM Trike Library are a great way for people with disabilities to gain access to non-standard cycles.
5. Cargo bikes
Cargo bikes are growing in popularity, and they are a great way to transport food shopping, take the kids out for a spin, or bringing your pets along with you for a little adventure. They come in all shapes and sizes and range from a simple large basket attached to the front to larger Dutch-style bikes that can hold huge loads.
If you want to use one for a particular purpose or trial one before you buy, Manchester Bikes has a range of options and can advise on the best fit for you.
