Davyhulme Labour councillors have welcomed a new trike to its growing collection of free bikes to loan at Woodsend Library.

Trafford Library members can loan the three-wheeler as part of the Bike Library initiative, set-up to encourage people to get back in the saddle.

You can be a complete novice or a veteran cyclist to loan a bike – and the offer is aimed at reaching those who may not have had access to the right equipment for whatever reason.

This scheme, which is thriving in popularity, offers members monthly bike loans which include the use of a helmet, lock, lights and hi-vis jacket.

Cllrs Sue Maitland, Barry Winstanley, and Karina Carter, welcomed the new trike, which has been added to the current stock and has already been rolled out for use.

The successful initiative has been supported by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) who provided start-up funding, Trafford Council who managed advice and guidance, and GM’s SUEZ who sourced the first five pre-loved bikes for use.

Manchester Bike Kitchen (MBK) is also heavily involved in the project and provides technical support, servicing each bike to ensure its road worthiness before it goes out on loan.

Cllr Maitland said: “The work being done here is amazing and is certainly gearing up a notch! It’s great to see so many people, regardless of age and ability, enjoying their free bike loans.

“Our mission is to break down barriers and give everyone access to alternative ways of travel for either leisure purposes or to get fit and active.

“I congratulate the many organisations who have supported this from the start.”

During a recent bike loan session, cyclists from the local community were invited as a special one-off event, to have their bikes checked by MBK free of charge.  Six bikes were inspected – two of which were owned by young people who will soon undertake a new Bikeability course.

There was also a bike loan renewal, lots of give-aways, plus talks on the courses available for building confidence and improving safer cycling skills.

Cllrs Winstanley and Carter echoed their colleagues praise and explained about the health benefits of a bike loan.

“It is vitally important that we find different ways to encourage people to engage with alternative forms of exercise especially outdoor activities,” they said.

“This scheme is just a small part of Labour’s campaign to lower instances of heart disease, improve mental health and wellbeing, and reduce carbon emissions.

“The health benefits of initiatives like this cannot be understated – and they also lead directly back to our corporate priorities.

“The Bike Library is a fantastic asset to the community and one we’re so proud to support.”

For further information email Woodsend Library: woodsend.library@trafford.gov.uk or call: 0161 912 3189