3 people with yellow cycle-hire bikes

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) launched a public cycle hire scheme in November 2021, when 250 bikes became available from fixed stations along Oxford Road, the University of Salford and MediaCityUK. Operated by leading cycle hire scheme operator Beryl, the scheme enables members of the public to hire bicycles for journeys from fixed cycle hire stations across Greater Manchester. The scheme will continue to rollout from August 2022 when the fleet will increase to 1,500 bikes -- including 300 e-bikes -- distributed across Manchester, Salford and Trafford.

Second in size only to London's, the scheme serves Greater Manchester's population of 2.8 million people and forms an important part of the Bee Network -- GM's vision for an integrated, London-style transport system, and help achieve Greater Manchester's commitment to be carbon-neutral by 2038.

TfGM is now making the opportunity available for a brand to sponsor the scheme and is looking for a partner that shares our values and has a passion for community, sustainability, diversity and importantly the enthusiasm and commitment to getting even more people pedalling across Greater Manchester. This opportunity would see a commercial partner playing a key role in the growth of the scheme and gaining unprecedented exposure across the conurbation.

TfGM has appointed PHAR Partnerships Ltd as its exclusive agency to represent TfGM in marketing this sponsorship opportunity. Parties interested in submitting a bid for the sponsorship opportunity should contact David Hoggins, Partnerships Director at PHAR Partnerships: david.hoggins@pharpartnerships.com

A man docking a bike in a cycle hire dock

A highly visible presence across Greater Manchester

There are over 5,000 branding panels included within the sponsorship, with the bikes and docking stations offering unparalleled opportunity to integrate your brand within Greater Manchester’s cityscape.

A man riding a bike on a cycle path

An accessible and important regional service

The scheme is designed to be affordable and accessible to all, with bikes available 24/7, across 300 docking stations situated around high footfall areas including at major bus, tram and train stations, and visitor attractions.

Andy Burnham with Bee Network branded bike, bus and tram

Tackling climate change and improving air quality

The scheme forms an important part of the Bee Network – GM’s plan to create an integrated London-style transport system, and help achieve Greater Manchester’s commitment to be carbon-neutral by 2038.

Using a phone to pay for a cycle hire

Digital customer experience

The scheme is powered digitally by Beryl, with the entire customer experience based on an app – making the bikes easy to unlock and ride. For brands this presents an array of opportunities to engage with users digitally and activate the sponsorship in innovative ways across the scheme’s digital ecosystem which will see multiple touchpoints including the app, website and social channels.

Useful links

Bee Active cycle hire webpage

Bee Active homepage