The latest Active Travel Annual Report has highlighted a shift in travel habits across Greater Manchester, with an increasing number of residents choosing to walk or cycle rather than use a car for short journeys.
The Bee Network is playing a crucial role in supporting this transition by enhancing active travel infrastructure and improving connectivity with public transport.
Over the past five years, the proportion of people walking short journeys has risen from 52% to 57%, while car usage for similar trips has dropped from 41% to 36%. Meanwhile, the number of trips made on foot has increased from 28% to 31%. These changes align with Greater Manchester’s ambition to make 2025 a pivotal year for encouraging more sustainable transport choices.
The Bee Network continues to invest in infrastructure that facilitates walking and cycling. As of 2024, 117 kilometres of new segregated bike lanes have been completed, contributing to a safer and more accessible cycling network. Plans are underway to expand this to at least 160 kilometres within the next two years, creating a more comprehensive cycling network.
The development of improved crossings, footways, and junctions across the region has also contributed to increased walking and cycling. Surveys indicate that 50% of residents believe the transport network now encourages them to incorporate walking or cycling into their daily journeys, up from 38% in 2023.
Active travel plays a key role in connecting people to public transport hubs, ensuring seamless multimodal journeys. The growth in walking and cycling corresponds with a 5% increase in bus travel since the introduction of bus franchising in 2023, alongside record-breaking tram usage under the Bee Network.
The Active Travel Annual Report now sets out key priorities for the next phase of the Bee Network’s development. A strategic cycle network is being planned to link existing routes and create a more cohesive system, taking inspiration from London’s cycle superhighways. Investment will continue to prioritise infrastructure enhancements that connect local communities to the wider transport network.
Overall, the Bee Network is encouraging more people to walk or cycle for short journeys, supporting Greater Manchester’s goal of making 50% of all trips by active travel or public transport.
