I’d like to borrow a bike please • Salford City Council

Salford’s latest library is now open to the public but it doesn’t have books on the shelves.

Instead, business owners will be able to choose one of 10 electric cargo bikes to test out swopping delivery vans for pedal power.

Salford City Council has bought 18 e-cargo bikes and three trailers which fit electric or ordinary bikes after a successful £132,000 funding bid to the Energy Saving Trust.

The first two will be presented to local organisations as the bike library goes live at Manchester Bikes, Chapel Street, Salford.

Local community interest company Visit From The Stork will use their bike to launch a toy library, distributing recycled toys to families in need and wholefood shop and café The Deli Lama will use theirs for deliveries.

Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for planning and sustainable development, said: “The bike library will allow businesses to try different models to see what works best for them before deciding whether to invest.

“We’re hoping that the bikes will replace local deliveries by van or car to help reduce congestion and contribute towards tackling climate change.”

Kimberly Bond, founder of Visit From The Stork, said: “That Toy Thing will save toys from going to waste and redistribute them to families across Salford and Manchester.

“We secured funds from the National Lottery Community Fund to give 100 vulnerable families a free subscription for six months or it costs £5 a month for £20 worth of toys.”

Chris Leakey of Manchester Bikes, where the library will be based said: “We are very excited to bring the cargo bike library to Salford. We have a great range of bikes, trailers, and trikes to suit lots of user needs.

“Test rides and a 30-minute in person or video consultation are free as this helps us match people and business to the right bike for the job. Hire starts from just £12 a day.”

Two bikes and a trailer will go to Salford Royal Hospital, two bikes to the RHS Garden Bridgewater, one bike and one trailer to the University of Salford and one bike to local photographer Simon Buckley, creator of the Not Quite Light Festival.