Cycle hub for Rochdale

Transport for Greater Manchester is due to open a cycle hub next to Rochdale railway station and Metrolink stop on Friday, developed in partnership with Rochdale Council and NHS Property Services.

The hub has 42 cycle parking spaces with lockers. People who sign up to use the hub will be given a smartcard to access the secure facility, which is covered by CCTV.

More district cycle hubs throughout the region are planned as part of TfGM's Better By Cycle initiative, which is being supported by the Department for Transport's Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

Cllr Chris Paul, TfGM committee cycling champion, said: "The new cycle hub is great news for Rochdale, coming hot on the heels of a new town centre Metrolink stop and transport interchange. Cycling is a really important part of the transport jigsaw and being able to leave your bike in safety at the new hub will make it much easier to commute by bike."

TfGM said that research among existing cycle hub members has shown 60% of users have cycled more since joining a hub, and 33% have made the switch from the car.

TfGM offers free bike maintenance sessions and adult cycle training to either learn to ride, or improve on the road confidence.