Despite the “continued success” of the scheme and the recent expansion to new areas, TfGM says there has also been “a significant rise” in vandalism over the last few weeks, which has created a “large backlog” of bikes that need repairing.
According to TfGM, as of 23 June, there were 379 bikes out on the network, and 564 awaiting repairs and maintenance.
More than half of Greater Manchester’s new ‘bee bikes’ have been vandalised / Credit: TfGM
TfGM’s Cycling and Walking Director, GMP’s Chief Superintendent, and the CEO of bike operator Beryl all said they were “extremely proud” of how the scheme has been received in Greater Manchester since it was introduced, and were happy to see that the “vast majority of people are using it respectfully and exactly as intended”.
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But admitted that they will “not tolerate” vandalism, and are “taking steps to target those seeking to undermine the scheme”.
In a joint statement issued yesterday, TfGM’s Cycling and Walking Director Richard Nickson, GMP’s Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter, and Beryl’s CEO Phil Ellis said: “Unfortunately, a small minority have wilfully and maliciously damaged bikes over recent weeks, and this has meant there has been fewer than normal available for hire.
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“We’re sorry to anyone who has not been able get one when needed.
TfGM says it “will not tolerate this type of behaviour” and is working to address the repairs / Credit: TfGM
“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour, and are working closely together to increase availability of bikes and prevent and deter criminality.”
They added that they want residents and visitors to have a “safe and reliable experience” using the scheme, and reassured everybody that they are “resolute in our commitment to ensuring its continued success”.
TfGM is also calling on Greater Manchester residents to “play their part” by being the transport service’s “eyes and ears”, and helping out by reporting any misuse of the scheme.
Featured Image – TfGM
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
28th June 2023 
