Borrow a bike for free under new scheme in Oldham

Available at Positive Cycles, the ‘bike library’ means Oldhamers can try a free bike for up to a month to see if cycling is for them.

Backed by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Positive Cycles is one of 27 locations across Greater Manchester and three locations in Oldham set to offer the scheme – which is currently in its third week.

In Oldham, the Ghazali Trust and Saddleworth School are also set to offer the scheme, alongside Positive Cycles.

Positive Cycles, located outside Tommyfield Market on Albion Street, currently has 14 bikes on offer in total – five new, five reconditioned, and four folding Brompton bicycles.

Positive Cycles, located on Albion Street

Those interested in loaning out a bike should come to the shop with a photographic ID to be registered on to the shop’s system.

Andrew Mitsi works at Positive Cycles. Speaking about the scheme, Andrew said: “It’s to encourage people back in to riding who haven’t ridden for a while.

“Some people working in offices park their car outside Oldham and then ride in from wherever they park.

“We’ve got three girls who are doing a charity ride to raise money, who are riding to Blackpool on the bike library bikes.”

Andrew Mitsi, who works at the shop, stands alongside four of the bike library bikes

The shop also provides a free bike lock and a helmet under the scheme to those who want them – however, the terms and conditions do say that users are responsible for the bikes while under they are under their care.

Andrew continued: “We’ve actually had one of the reconditioned ones stolen, but it’s a new scheme and we’re learning as we’re going along, so there was no charge for the lady that had the bike – she was devastated.”

Andrew hopes those using the bikes will realise the benefits. He said: “Hopefully once they’ve loaned the bike for a month, they’ll think about buying a bike.

A sign in the shop window advertises the scheme

“It helps you get fit and get fresh air – it’s good for people’s mental state.”

Richard Nickson, TfGM’s programme director for cycling and walking, said: “Up to two-thirds of households in Greater Manchester do not have access to a bike so this is a big barrier to enabling people to get out there and try travelling sustainably. 

“Along with our cycle hire scheme, community bike libraries enable more people to leave the car at home and give cycling a go, which can have a significant impact on people’s physical and mental health, can reduce congestion and even save people money.”

A full list of locations offering the new bike libraries scheme can be found on TfGM’s website.