A new shared cargo bike scheme designed to encourage local businesses to switch to more sustainable deliveries has launched in Altrincham.
The first scheme of its kind in Greater Manchester, Altrincham Cargo Bikeshare was launched by Bruntwood, Trafford Council and Altrincham Business Improvement District (BID) at a Netwalking event in the town on Monday.
Organised by Altrincham BID, with guest speakers Dr Richard Nickson, Network Director Active Travel, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Gareth Wilkins, Head of Retail Operations Bruntwood, the event was also attended by local businesses.
The scheme has been made possible through a joint application by Altrincham BID and Bruntwood to Transport for Greater Manchester’s Community Access Grant.
The bike will be operated by Manchester Bikes and is initially available for Altrincham BID businesses, who will be given a number of free sessions.
The bike will then be available for them to book and will be rolled out to other businesses and the community after an initial trial period.
It is designed to carry up to 180 kgs, including the rider, and is available for hire on a daily basis.
Further information about the bike, how to hire and book it can be found on the Manchester Bikes website.
A spokesperson from Bruntwood and Trafford Council said: “The launch of the Cargo Bikeshare scheme in the Stamford Quarter marks the beginning of a new era for delivery transport in the town.
"We are encouraging businesses who are part of the BID to use the bike to help cut emissions and road traffic collisions in the local area. It’s economical to use and will hopefully increase the use of the local cycle infrastructure.”
Mandy White, Director of Altrincham BID, added: “We’re delighted to be launching the Cargo Bikeshare in Altrincham with Bruntwood. The scheme has come out of a pilot project we worked on with the support of MP Smarter Travel and Manchester Bikes, which introduced the concept of cargo bike deliveries to Altrincham’s businesses.
"We are grateful to have received funding from Transport for Greater Manchester to set the scheme up and we look forward to supporting our businesses to make the switch, where possible, to this more sustainable delivery method.”
