£10,000 on offer to boost bicycle parking facilities
UP to £10,000 is on offer to charities and companies to fund bicycle parking.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is handing out cash to those wanting to build new or improve existing parking facilities for cyclists.
This can include secure cycle stands, shelters and cycle lockers – or can go towards upgrading existing cycle parking facilities, such as improving lighting, CCTV coverage or security.
Charities as well as companies that use profits and assets to benefit the public can apply for the cash.
Social housing provider Stockport Homes was handed £9,500 earlier this year to fund two new parking stores with space for 20 bikes on its Lancashire Hill estate.
Janice Samuels, Stockport Homes neighbourhood housing manager, said: “Our customers were thrilled with the two new secure cycle stores and they are used on a regular basis.”
Councillor Chris Paul, active travel and cycling champion for the TfGM Committee, said: “Cycle parking grants for businesses and housing associations have been a huge success, with many firms and social landlords using the funding to introduce cycle storage facilities and encourage more people to get on their bikes.
“We’re now giving charities and community interest companies the chance to apply for a grant of up to £10,000 so staff and visitors can have a safe and convenient place to park their bike.”
Over the past five years TfGM has spent £80m investing in improved cycling facilities, training and education to encourage more cycling in the region.
He added: “Cycling is healthy, affordable and it’s also one of the most sustainable travel choices you can make.”
The cycle storage grants are being supported through the Department for Transport’s Sustainable Travel Transition Year Fund, which aims to tackle congestion, reduce carbon emissions and help people back to work.
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, January 3, 2017.
For more information on how to apply, visit www.tfgm.com/cycling/ cycling-grants or contact TfGM’s cycling team on cycling@tfgm.com.