A new zone map of the upcoming Greater Manchester cycle hire scheme has been revealed.

The 24/7 Bee Network Cycle Hire Scheme, phase one of what will eventually be a region-wide offering, will be operated by micromobility company Beryl and will consist of an initial fleet of 1,200 pedal bikes and 300 e-bikes. 

The network will be one of the largest docked systems outside London and will give hundreds of thousands of people an affordable, convenient and quick way to get around.

The scheme is part of Greater Manchester's plan to provide a fully-integrated public transport system - the Bee Network– and become carbon neutral by 2038.

A closed trial of 30 Bee Network Bikes - docked near the University of Salford - will commence from November 3.

Another 250 bikes will be added to the fleet around the University of Salford, Media City and along Oxford Road from November 18 for the general public to use.

By June 2022, total bike numbers will be ramping up to 1200 pedal bikes and 300 e-bikes, and more than 200 docking stations across the zone. The first cohort of docking stations will be installed from October.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "We've worked hard with our supplier to ensure the GM cycle hire scheme is affordable and accessible for residents to use.

"In fact, we have reduced the tariffs, making our pedal bikes brilliant value when compared to similar schemes in the country.

“The first Bee Network Bikes, with our signature Bee emblazoned on the side, are going on the ground later this year and we are very excited about our residents giving them a try.”