Salford residents helped cycle over 2 million kilometres as the a new scheme has seen more locals hopping on the bright yellow bikes.
The scheme launched by Starling bikes in November 2021 has proved success across Greater Manchester across Salford, Trafford and Manchester.
The collective effort in the scheme has seen residents cycle a total of 2.5 milllion kilometres – that’s the same as cycling around the earth 62.5 times.
Cycling Mayor of Greater Manchester Belinda Everett is glad to see the bikes in use across Salford and Manchester as she welcomes the scheduled expansion of the fleet.
This year 35,000 new cyclists have signed up to use the bikes, helping to cut emissions in Greater Manchester. Scheme operator Beryl estimates that 74.66 tonnes of CO2 has been saved since the bikes arrived three years ago.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “It’s amazing how popular Starling Bank Bikes have become and hitting that one million rides milestone is a real testament to the scheme’s success.
“The bikes are affordable, easy to use and an important part of the wider Bee Network”
“Looking ahead, we have ambitions to expand the scheme to new areas and provide even more people with access to the bikes.”
The scheme comes as part of the Bee Network’s vision for a fully integrated transport network which will allow the public to walk, wheel or cycle anywhere in the city.
And as the initiative grows, 300 brand-new e-bikes will be added to the fleet beginning early next year.
Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner, said: “With a lighter version of e-bike being introduced, the scheme will become more accessible to a greater number of people.
“The average length of a journey on a Starling Bank Bike is just over 2.5km, showing the scheme is delivering a solution for the shorter journeys that fall between a walkable distance and public transport journey.”
The long-term fleet expansion proposals include a projected 8000 new bikes in the coming years to areas of the borough where high demand is likely.
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