New 'Bike Libraries' opening in August 2022

CHANGE OF PLANS - our Wythenshawe Bike Library will open at a later date and will not launch on 2 August 2022 as originally announced. Brunswick Village's Library will launch on 2 August 2022 as planned.

Working in partnership with S4B Housing Association, we will open a bike library from Brunswick Village on 2 August 2022. A second Bike Library will open at our Crossacres Care Center in Wythenshawe at a later date. Age UK Manchester and S4B are participating in this Greater Manchester scheme after successfully being awarded funding from Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) Bike Library Grant scheme in 2021.

A bike library is a location where people can go to borrow a bike for free. Up to 75% of households in Greater Manchester do not have access to a bike. We’re keen to be a part of increasing access from our centres in the Crossacres and Brunswick neighbourhoods.

We will provide rental opportunities so that people can find out if cycling is for them. Our loan periods can vary depending on circumstances and availability. Our libraries are just two of libraries across Greater Manchester.

Here is all you need to know about our bike libraries!

Where are the libraries located?

Brunswick Village - from 2 August 2022
50 Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PE

Crossacres Resource Centre - DATE TBC
1 Peel Hall Road, Wythenshawe M22 5DG

When can I rent a bike?

From 2 August, our Brunswick Village library will be open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00am-2:00pm.

Following the launch, it is advised that you contact the library to ensure availability. Contact details are below.

How long can I rent a bike for?

You can rent a bike for a maximum of 2 weeks. You’ll need to complete paperwork and agree when you’ll be returning the bike. This is very important so that we can ensure everyone who wants to rent a bike has the opportunity to do so.

All renters must know how to ride a bike confidently prior to renting.  

Is there a minimum age to rent a bike?

Most of our bikes will be for adults but we do have a small supply of bikes for children over 6 years old. Please note, all renters must know how to ride a bike confidently prior to renting, including children.

Is there a charge for renting a bike?

No, this scheme is absolutely FREE.

I have a bike I no longer use. Can I donate it to your library to put to good use?

Yes please! A very important part of our scheme is getting donated bikes that are no longer being used. Too many are tipped or abandoned when schemes like ours can put them to good use.

We will publicise official donation dates here in the near future. In the meantime, please contact either of our libraries to make arrangements to donate your bike(s). 

Donated bikes must be in good condition and whilst we will be ensuring each are given the all clear by a qualified mechanic, we cannot accept donations if the bike is not repairable. We hope you understand if you’re told that we cannot accept your bike donation. In order to keep the costs down, we can only take repairable or gently used bikes.

I’d like to volunteer to help.

Brilliant! We really need volunteers to help with our libraries. Training will be provided so you can give bikes the checks they need before they go out for rental and when they are returned. Extensive bike maintenance and repair knowledge isn’t essential.

Download an application form to volunteer.
Cycle Library volunteer application form.doc

How do I contact the libraries?

To get in touch to find out more about the libraries, to make a booking enquiry or to ask about volunteering opportunities, contact:

Brunswick Village Library
0161 676 8709

Crossacres Library
0161 437 0717