Borrow a bike free for up to a month with photo ID and proof of address. Broomwood Bike Library in Timperley has new TfGM funding to expand its storage.

The bike library at Broomwood Community and Wellbeing Centre in Timperley has won funding from Transport for Greater Manchester to extend its storage. It is one of five places in Trafford where you can borrow a bike for free.

Trafford Council announced the funding on Wednesday. The council says the Broomwood library has grown over the past four years and currently has 10 bikes out on loan. A local artist has painted it a new sign.

How borrowing works

Fran Robb, the centre’s volunteer caretaker, set out the rules in the council’s announcement:

  • you need photo ID and proof of address
  • you can keep a bike for up to a month
  • you can renew the loan if you want it for longer
  • every bike is checked before it goes out
  • a helmet, a lock and lights come with it

“People take bikes to get from A to B, to go shopping, to take exercise and to get out in the fresh air,” she said.

Broomwood’s bikes are checked and serviced through a partnership with Two Wheel Claims, a firm of cycle accident lawyers. The centre also accepts donated bikes.

The five bike libraries in Trafford

The council lists these five, each run by a different organisation:

Bike library Where
Broomwood Bike Library Broomwood Community and Wellbeing Centre, Timperley
Woodsend Bike Library Woodsend Library
Manchester Bike Kitchen Sale Mall, Sale
Sale Moor Community Partnership Sale West Community Centre
Cycling UK Stretford Public Hall

Broomwood is the nearest to Altrincham, Hale and Timperley. The council announcement does not give opening times. TfGM’s bike library finder covers every library in Greater Manchester, so check there before you go.

What it means for you

If you have been thinking about cycling to work, to the shops or to the station but do not want to buy a bike first, this is a no-cost way to try it for a month. Bring photo ID and proof of address.

The council points to secure cycle parking at move Altrincham, Stretford Leisure Centre and Stretford Public Hall. Cllr Jane Slater, the council’s executive member for healthy and independent lives, said most of the borough is flat, “meaning people of all ages and abilities can get on a bike”.

If you are planning a ride into town, our parking in Altrincham page and roadworks and travel page carry what is closed this week.