Manchester is one of the most vibrant cities in the entire United Kingdom – a city the potential of which was born of industrial grit, and which realised itself through a cultural renaissance no other city has yet to properly challenge. Its successes continue, too, as its sprawl quickens under renewed international investment and the progressive eye of mayor Andy Burnham. Is it any surprise, then, that Manchester is also becoming a cycling city par excellence?
Cycling is more than weekend hobby for Tour de France fans; it’s fast becoming a preferred mode of transport for commuters and city-dwellers alike, even in a city with world-beating public transport links. Manchester hasn’t always been a cycle-friendly city, but that’s changing – and here’s how.
Manchester’s Transport Infrastructure Strategy
Since Andy Burnham’s ascent to mayordom, movement on infrastructural change has been swift in Manchester. Burnham has overseen the rollout of the Bee Network, a regionally-controlled integration of public transport systems and infrastructures that put buses back into public ownership, levelled-up walking routes and, crucially, has been scaled up to include key improvements to cycling infrastructure.
By spring 2025 the Bee Active network had achieved more than 75 miles of segregated walking, wheeling and cycling routes. As part of its Active Travel mission, every part of the Bee Active Network aims to be universally accessible – with the added bonus of being able to carry bikes on trams for extra convenience.
Infrastructure Upgrades You’ll Notice
The theory of the Bee Network is excellent enough, and has been experimentally enjoyed by tram-goers and bus-riders already – but what tangible changes can cyclists see? Well, the proof is easily found in newly-installed segregated cycle lanes found on key routes like the Chorlton Cycleway, or in the upgrade of the A56 Chester Road route. The latter route now includes buffer strips, cycle lane bollards and wider separation from motor traffic.
Connectivity, Safety And Rider Comfort
Unsurprisingly, this extensive new infrastructure is significantly improving connectivity, allowing more direct and smoother self-powered routes into the city centre – and with rider comfort at the forefront. With improved infrastructure reducing risk, the need for a cycling accident claim may be less frequent, though of course not non-existent; riders should still be aware of their rights should a pedestrian-cyclist or -driver conflict occur.
While all this infrastructural change is undoubtedly excellent for Manchester as a city, it doesn’t address some systemic concerns around cyclists in the city centre. There remains an active risk to women cyclists, who feel less safe on balance for a plurality of reasons. Changes elsewhere need to be made for Manchester to make the most of this incredible investment.