Leigh Bike Library enjoying huge success in first 18 months

By Be Well | 27 September 2024 | TAGS: Cycling, Active Travel, Leigh

Leigh Bike Library is less than two years old but is already the busiest in Greater Manchester with the largest number of members.

Within the first year, Be Well Wigan saw the library attract 172 members with 159 bikes loaned with 40% of bikes purchased at the end of the loan.

The ‘try before you buy’ model is working well.

Members are provided with a quote to purchase the bike and accessories when they start the loan, allowing them to budget if they want to purchase the bike after a successful trial.

Selling the bike supports long-term behaviour change and reduces one of the key barriers to cycling of buying a new bike.

All funds received from bike sales are reinvested and used to restock the library with more recycled bikes. Bike donations are also accepted to help boost bike stocks.

"Amazing service. Everyone was so helpful and really went above and beyond to find the bike we wanted. This service has made me and my daughter love our bikes. Thank you!" – Claire

"Probably wouldn’t have cycled without the library – Now I use my bike more than the car" – Glen

Leigh Bike Library was launched in April 2023 following a successful funding grant application to Transport for Greater Manchester for £5,000 to support the setup costs of the library.

It operates from Leigh Youth Hub due to established partnerships between the hub, Leigh Neighbours Project and several local schools in the area.

The TfGM grant saw Be Well purchase 25 recycled bikes from Gearing Up Cycle Workshop, pay for cycling accessories, including helmets, and a safe place to store them.

The library is now a hub for cycling offering rides for all ages, cycle training, bike maintenance and other activities and events for the local community.

A third (31%) of members come from the top 20% of areas of deprivation within the borough and a quarter (26%) from the top 10%.

David Kearney, Active Travel Officer at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: 

"It’s great to see that the Leigh Bike Library is being well-used by the wider community by offering a mix of bikes for adults and children alike to borrow.

"This is one of the most successful bike library sites in Greater Manchester and it’s making a very positive contribution to active travel in the area"

Hopes are high that the library can continue its rapid growth over the year and attract more members through promotion, neighbourhood teams and Community Link Workers.

A programme of wrap throughout 2024 provides a pathway for individuals and families looking to learn to cycle, cycle for leisure, and to travel actively by bike.