Manchester pedals forward with a groundbreaking Bikehangar scheme

In June 2025, Manchester City Council became the first local authority to launch an on-street residential cycle parking scheme using electronic access.

The pilot includes nine Bikehangars, offering bike spaces for 54 residents – almost all of which were occupied within weeks of launch. The scheme has been very successful; demand is extremely high with over 90 residents signing up for waiting lists for spaces; nearly double the current provision. The scheme also offers a glimpse into the future of cycle parking, swapping jangly key chains for app-enabled access.

The benefits of electronic access

Previously, residential cycle parking schemes relied on physical keys to secure the Bikehangars or lockers. Each key must be posted to the subscriber and returned at the end of the term, with the possibility of being lost at each step. This process requires administration and is vulnerable to costly key replacements. The Manchester pilot is the first to offer residents electronic access via the Cyclehoop smartphone app, giving them fast access, flexible term lengths and convenient monthly billing.

Beyond efficiency, electronic access offers another valuable commodity – data. Usage data is a useful tool to demonstrate the value of the scheme and build a case for expansion. Manchester’s nine units are used several hundred times a month, demonstrating that on-street cycle parking provision leads to actual cycle journeys.

The Cyclehoop app also gives users access to Trips, our growing network of on-demand Bikehangars located at common cycle journey end-destinations such as town centres, train stations, and leisure facilities. This creates connected cycle journeys with secure parking at both ends, all on the same platform.

Security

Bike theft remains a common problem in cities and a major barrier to cycling. Statistics from the police service show Manchester residents experienced 1.9 cycle thefts per 1000 population during the year ending June 2025. With a population of 551,938 recorded in the 2021 census, this equates to around 1048 thefts. With many instances unreported, the real figure is likely much higher. Providing residents with a secure place to park their bike is essential to help people choose to cycle.

“Security is very important, it’s something that our residents have told us is a reason why they’ve not yet done the modal shift from car to bike.”

Cllr Anthony McCaul – Deputy Exec Member for Clean Air, Transport and Environment

After over ten years of development, the Bikehangar has a raft of security features designed to eliminate a wide range of attack methods. These include our bespoke fail-secure lock mechanism, reinforced lock rod ends with angle grinder resistant additive, solid steel side panels and anti-lever plates on the frames. It has been awarded Sold Secure Powered Cycle Diamond security accreditation, the highest level available in the sector.

Maximising existing cycle infrastructure

Residential cycle parking is an important part of an overall transport strategy. The Manchester Bikehangar pilot compliments upgraded cycling infrastructure in the area including the city centre and the Wimslow Road corridor, helping create safer, more connected cycle journeys.

The two big barriers of modal shift to cycling have been the infrastructure which we’re looking to improve with more bike lanes, and then the storage which we’re also looking to improve with the pilot. So, with those combined, we should see a removal of barriers and a modal shift to cycling.

The future’s bright for cycling in Manchester

Following the success of the pilot, Manchester City Council plan to install a further 30 Bikehangars, helping residents make more cycle journeys and moving the city closer to its net zero emissions targets. At Cyclehoop, we’re excited to help give Manchester cycling a boost!

Looking to start a Bikehangar scheme in your borough or district? Our expert team can help guide you through every step of the project.

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Having nine Bikehangars in the pilot with 90 people on the reservation list is a resounding success.