Manchester, the home of British Cycling, was celebrating more cycling success today with the news that the city had secured £20 million of funding to improve provision for cycling.
British Cycling worked closely with Transport for Greater Manchester on their bid which was the most successful of the eight cities selected for the Government's Cycling Cities Ambition Grants.
Cycling has seen huge success in Manchester in recent years with the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins, Sir Chris Hoy and Dame Sarah Storey, who have all been based at British Cycling’s headquarters in the city.
Transport for Greater Manchester has already pledged to invest £50 million as part of the Velocity 2025 cycling strategy, which aims to double the number of daily cyclists in Manchester by 2015 – and then double it again by 2025. Greater Manchester’s vision is for up to 10% of all journeys to be made by bike by 2025.
This new funding stream will allow work to begin on a number of new projects in the city. These include:
- A major new network of strategic, integrated and – where possible – segregated cycle routes to employment centres, schools and leisure facilities.
- Locally funded work to ‘mainstream’ cycling – promoting it to young and old to create a cultural shift in attitudes.
- ‘Cycle and Ride’ stations are also proposed at Gatley, Irlam, Flixton and Guide Bridge railway stations and at Prestwich, Hollinwood and East Didsbury Metrolink stops.
- Work with a number of partner schools and colleges to improve cycle facilities so as to encourage cycling as a travel option for younger people.
British Cycling’s Policy Adviser, Chris Boardman said: “As the home of British Cycling, Manchester has played a huge part in the success that our organisation has enjoyed in recent years in both increasing participation and medal winning performances.
"What we now need is for that success to filter down and make cycling a sustainable and attractive form of transport in our cities through introducing a robust cycle proofing process into all modern transport developments.
“This funding sets Greater Manchester apart and can go a long way to making that happen. British Cycling is committed to supporting Velocity 2025 to achieving its aims and further establishing Manchester as a world class venue for cycling.”
Chair of the TfGM Committee, Councillor Andrew Fender, said: “With the success of our bid, we will be able to turn our ambition into action and realise our vision for 2025 in full.
“This funding award signals the confidence that Government has in that vision. On top of what we’ve already started and what we can now unlock locally, we will completely transform cycling in Greater Manchester.”
For more information about how to get into cycling visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/getinvolved
