Greater Manchester is set to benefit from more than 20 million GBP to support walking, wheeling and cycling initiatives across the city-region.
The funding, agreed at a GMCA meeting on 22 August, will support a range of infrastructure and community-based projects that aim to improve access to active travel options. It forms part of the wider Bee Network programme, which is working to deliver a fully integrated public transport and active travel system.
The investment follows a joint commitment made in July by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and other regional mayors to increase access to healthy and environmentally sustainable modes of travel. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) anticipates that by 2027, 176 kilometres of segregated walking, wheeling and cycling routes built to Bee Network standards will be in place.
Active travel continues to be embedded within the Bee Network vision, with walking, wheeling and cycling intended to link people to public transport services such as buses, trams and trains.
The 20.7 million GBP allocation approved by GMCA will be directed across several key areas:
Active travel infrastructure – 8.6 million GBP for improvements including resurfaced pavements and paths, upgraded junctions, new pedestrian and cycle crossings, bus stop improvements and general traffic management works.
School Streets – 2 million GBP to maintain and enhance infrastructure around schools, including dropped kerbs, improved pavements and safer traffic arrangements.
Bee Network crossings – 2 million GBP to deliver new or upgraded signalised crossings, particularly around schools.
Cycle hire – 1.5 million GBP to add new e-bikes to the fleet and extend the Starling Bank Bike hire contract to 2028. The funding may also support the expansion of the scheme’s current area of operation.
Community-led schemes – 1.7 million GBP to support local initiatives such as bike libraries, ‘walk to school’ projects and cycle training.
Scheme development – 2.2 million GBP to help local authorities develop new active travel projects in line with Bee Network standards.
Remedial works – 1.1 million GBP to maintain and update existing active travel routes, including improvements to accessibility for people with mobility needs.
In addition, 500,000 GBP has been approved to support new secure cycle parking facilities and improved signage on active travel routes.
Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey, said:Last year's Active Travel Annual report identified a number of areas that needed significant investment in order to address some of the barriers affecting people from feeling safe enough to walk, wheel or cycle their everyday short journeys.
The allocation of funding in this latest approval is very welcomed to enable more pavements, cycle routes and crossings to be upgraded, as well as to further develop other parts of the programme across the region for the coming years.
Walking, wheeling, and cycling remain central to Greater Manchester’s transport ambitions. These modes are often the first or last part of a journey, connecting people to public transport stops and stations.
According to TfGM data, in 2023, around one-third of all trips in the city-region were made using active modes. Over the past five years, the proportion of short journeys taken on foot has increased from 52% to 57%, while car use for short trips has fallen from 41% to 36%.
Greater Manchester has indicated that 2025 will be a key year in its strategy to encourage more people to reduce reliance on private vehicles and increase use of public and active travel options.
