Getting Greater Manchester moving

Work is underway to roll out “seamless” cycle routes along key corridors in Greater Manchester. This will be backed by improved cycling facilities at schools, workplaces and stations, “as well as Cycle Friendly district centres, based on the Mini-Holland model”, says Helen Ramsden, head of travel choices and active travel at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

More than £45m is being spent this year on cycling projects in Greater Manchester, which will include improvements to cycle routes and facilities as well as cycle training, says Ramsden.    

One of TfGM’s flagship schemes is the Wilmslow Road Cycleway, a 7km cycle route linking universities, hospitals and key employment sites with the regional centre and residential areas.  

“The Wilmslow Road Cycleway represents a significant step change in the standard of cycling infrastructure in Greater Manchester,” says Ramsden. “The scheme will provide dedicated space for cyclists, delivering for the first time cycle bypasses for bus stops and trialling low-level cycle signals.”

The second phase of Greater Manchester’s Cycle City programme will see “significant investment in cycling infrastructure, with funding up to 2018 playing a crucial role in delivering the city region’s vision for cycling”, says Ramsden.

Helen Ramsden will be speaking at Cycle City Active City