Plans to temporarily close a number of cycle hire stations across Greater Manchester have been confirmed following a rise in vandalism.
It comes after Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) revealed last month that, despite the “continued success” of the new scheme – which saw nearly 1,000 yellow bicycles rolled out across Manchester, Salford, and Trafford late last year – and the recent expansion to new areas, there has also been “a significant rise” in acts of vandalism over the last few weeks.
This 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.
Several ‘bee bike’ hire stations to be closed across Manchester following rise in vandalism / Credit: TfGM
The Greater Manchester Cycle Hire scheme has “continued to grow in popularity” following its launch back in November 2021, with a whopping 64,350 active users, and more than one million kilometres ridden since then – but if the scheme is to continue being a success and serving its purpose, TfGM says it will need to introduce new measures to ensure there are enough fully-functioning bikes available for people to use.
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TfGM and bike operators Beryl say they will now work together through the ‘TravelSafe Partnership’ with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to “take further steps” and “temporary measures” in a bid to help restore the full cycle hire service “as quickly as possible”.
This means that some cycle hire stations will be suspended temporarily, so that there are more bikes available in areas where users have been the most active.
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TfGM says the new measures will ensure the scheme is a “continued success” in the future / Credit: TfGM
There will be a short-term suspension of around a quarter of the stations while Beryl works on the backlog of repairs, TfGM has confirmed, with people encouraged to use the Beryl app to find their nearest location.
The intention is to start reintroducing bikes back to these stations from September, TfGM says.
On top of this, also in a bid to decrease the number of acts of vandalism, TfGM has confirmed that increased fines for users who do not comply with Cycle Hire rules around locking and returning bikes will be introduced, as unlocked and abandoned bikes are “more susceptible to theft and vandalism”.
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We're making some temporary changes to cycle hire, but don't worry, we're on it.
From today at 12pm some bike stations will be suspended temporarily but we'll have more bikes in the places where people use them the most.
“The Greater Manchester Cycle Hire scheme is extremely popular and well-used, and an integral part of our plans for the Bee Network,” Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said.
“Unfortunately, a spike in vandalism over recent weeks has resulted in fewer bikes being available for people to hire, but we’re confident that the changes being made will strengthen the service and enable us to restore the number of bikes out on the network as soon as possible.
“That includes enhanced enforcement, and right now there are people in the control room monitoring our bikes and stations and staff and police out patrolling the areas where our bikes are.”
The Mayor added that he will “take whatever action is necessary” to ensure this scheme continues to be a success for Greater Manchester in the future.
Featured Image – TfGM
News
Second arrest made on suspicion of murder after man stabbed to death in Levenshulme
Emily Sergeant
A second arrest has been made following the death of a young man in Levenshulme this past weekend.
The victim has now also been formally named to the public.
Earlier this week, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called to reports of a man who suffered ‘serious stab wounds’ on Chapel Street at around 7:06pm on Saturday evening (15 August), and once they arrived on the scene, the victim was pronounced dead despite the best efforts of emergency services.
According to police, it is believed that this was an ‘isolated incident’ with no wider threat to the public.
As mentioned, the victim has now been named as 24-year-old Zherko Rasul Osman, and his family are being supported by specialist officers at this time.
When the investigation was first opened, a 27-year-old man had already been arrested on suspicion of murder and was being kept in police custody, but it has now been confirmed that a second man has also been arrested.
Yesterday evening (Tuesday 18 August), a 23-year-old man was arrested, also on suspicion of murder, and he remains in custody for questioning.
“This arrest marks a significant step in our investigation and shows our continued commitment to securing justice for the victim and his family,” commented Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson, from GMP’s Major Incident Team.
“Our officers are working at pace to establish the full circumstances as officers on scene are conducting investigations.
“As our investigation is ongoing, we would like to hear from anyone who may have information that can assist us.”
Can you help? Anyone in the Chapel Street area around the time of this incident, or who has mobile phone, CCTV, Ring doorbell and dashcam footage, can contact police on 0161 856 9008 quoting the log number 2983 of 15/08/2026.
Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
NHS urges people to book flu jabs ahead of winter as A&E attendances hit record 2.5 million
Emily Sergeant
The NHS is urging people get their flu jabs booked ahead of the upcoming season.
After A&E attendances hit a record 2.5 million in July, and staff experienced the three busiest months ever recorded between May and July in emergency departments, the NHS wants to do everything it can to ‘ease demand’ ahead of winter flu season arriving.
Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so the health service is starting to administer the vaccinations from autumn onwards to ensure fewer people are hospitalised.
Flu can cause significant issues for children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with some long-term health conditions – with issues including hospitalisation and, in certain cases, severe respiratory failure or even death.
It’s estimated that around 104,000 hospitalisations could have been avoided last year, which is why the NHS is keen to cut that number this winter.
From today, the national booking system is open for those eligible to book their flu vaccine, with appointments starting from 1 September.
Those eligible will be able to get their flu vaccination from a variety of places in their local community, including their GP practices and participating high street pharmacies.
The jab is given in injectable form in the vast majority of cases, while a nasal spray is provided for most children.
“Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting those most at risk from flu and they are also crucial for relieving pressures on our NHS over the winter months,” explained Health Secretary Yvette Cooper.
“Everyone who is eligible for a free vaccination will be notified through their phone or in the post, and the system for booking appointments is now open. Together, we can save lives, support the most vulnerable, and ensure our NHS is there for everyone who needs it this winter.”
The national booking system is now open so that eligible people – including pregnant women and children – can pre-book their flu vaccinations when appointments start on 1 September.
Emily Sergeant -
1st August 2023 
