'Game-changing' bike library set to open its doors in Wigan

A highly successful ‘bike library’ that’s helped hundreds of residents get on their bikes is ready to open a brand-new branch in Wigan.

Based at the Brick Works on Hodson Street, Wigan Bike Library will let people borrow cycles, helmets and other equipment free of charge for up to a month at a time.

It’s the second such bike loan hub to be launched by the council’s Be Well leisure and wellbeing service, building on the well-established Leigh Bike Library over at Leigh Sports Village.

Starting 21 February, Wigan Bike Library – which will be run in partnership with the Gearing Up Cycle Workshop – will be open on the third Saturday of each month from 9am-12noon and every Wednesday from 4pm-7pm.

Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Our Leigh Bike Library has been a brilliant success, so we’re delighted to be expanding with the launch of Wigan Bike Library so that even more residents can have the opportunity to enjoy cycling.

“Whether you’re wanting to cycle to work, for exercise or just for fun – or if you’re teaching your child to ride a bike but can’t afford to buy one – we’ve got a full range of bikes, helmets and other equipment you can borrow.

“It works just like a regular library. All you have to do is sign up to become a member, collect your bike, and off you go! And after two months, if you want to keep your bike, you can even buy it for much less than it would cost you to buy a new one.

“Thanks to our brilliant partners at Gearing Up, you can even get free repairs and maintenance from our team of fabulous mechanics to keep you on the road.

“Cycling is a fantastic way to be active and an enjoyable, low-cost and environmentally friendly way to travel, so we’re really pleased to be helping even more Wigan Borough residents to get pedalling!”

Opened in April 2023 and based at Leigh Youth Hub, Leigh Bike Library has already loaned out more than 380 bikes to its 431 members – making it the largest bike library in the whole of Greater Manchester.

Around 45 per cent of bikes are purchased at the end of the loan period, with prices ranging from £20-£40 for children’s bikes and £40-£80 for adult sizes.

Mum-of-three Stephanie West was among one of its very first members and says the service has been “a game changer” when it comes to being able to teach children to ride.

Stephanie, who lives in Pennington, said: “It’s such a great scheme, especially for families who are struggling to buy bikes themselves.

“When you buy a bike, as well as that initial expense you’ve also got to buy a new one every so often as the kids grow.

“The bike library is fantastic because we can borrow a new bike every six months or so, so the kids have the right size bike without the added expense.

“It’s been a game-changer for me too because I don’t drive and I rely on my bike for everything – like going to the shops or an appointment.

“It’s been a really good experience, really simple, and the team are very friendly. They help maintain the bikes as well, which is good because I don’t know the first thing about it!”

To find out more about borrowing a bike, visit the Be Well website (external link).