Getting out and about
We're working with Transport for Greater Manchester and councils across Greater Manchester. Together, we're improving buses, trams and trains. We’re upgrading and extending routes to walk, wheel and cycle. And we’re making it easier to charge electric vehicles (EVs).
Using petrol and diesel vehicles less will reduce air pollution in the city. Investing in alternative ways to travel will also give us a more connected city and region. We’ve already improved some of our key cycleways. They can be great ways to beat the traffic and to walk, wheel and run.
We filmed a 6.5km ride from Openshaw to Levenshulme, so you can see what to expect. It's a traffic-free route that uses the Yellow Brick Road and Fallowfield Loop.
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Cycling
Cycling can be a great way to get around. Whether you’re riding solo or looking for a fun day out with friends. And there are traffic-free routes that’ll take you through leafy scenery.
Find out what’s near you and get free route maps at www.letsride.co.uk/routes.
Cycling into the city and need secure storage for your bike? Ancoats Mobility Hub has 150 secure bike parking spaces. There’s 24-hour access and changing facilities. Find out more and book a space at www.spokesafe.com/ancoats.
Want to try cycling but don’t have a bike? Head to your local bike library. They have bikes you can borrow and sizes for all ages. Have a bike you don’t need? Donate it. The bike libraries will make any repairs needed, so it’s ready to loan out.
E-bikes and pedal bikes are available for hire across the city centre. Find out where and how to use them in the Starling Bank bike app.
Need a bit more confidence? If it’s been a while since you got on a bike, or you’ve never cycled, there are free lessons that can help. The Bee Network offers cycle training and bike repair and maintenance workshops.
There are also schemes that help people that may need extra support or adapted cycles. Perhaps due to age, health or a disability. Find out more and get advice on inclusive cycling.
Walking
A walk is so much more than stretching your legs. It’s a great way to boost wellbeing and explore the nature on your doorstep.
Our parks are great places to walk, wheel and run. If it’s been a while since you exercised, try the Heaton Park 10,000 step challenge. Their tried and tested walks can help you to build stamina – ready to explore the city.
There are walks that connect the city’s parks, green spaces, waterways and tree-lined streets. The Green Trail has 15 connecting routes that cover 63 miles to circumnavigate the city. Explore the Manchester Green Trail.
There are short walks around the city on the Ramblers website. Those under 3 miles are free. Start rambling in the city.
Once busy transport routes, canals now offer quiet and scenic traffic-free walks. They often take you through the heart of the city’s industrial heritage. Discover canal walks in Manchester.
To check if a walk is buggy or wheelchair accessible or has loos nearby, try GM Walking.
Going to an event in the city? Check if there's a walk that can help you to beat the traffic. The CityLink walk will get you from the city centre to Sportcity and Coop Live. Follow the blue lampposts and enjoy the light installations on the way.
Use Walksafe to pick known safe routes in the city. It's a free app for everyone to use. Whether you're travelling to and from work, out and about during the day or on a night out. It has journey-sharing and SOS features. And shows safe spaces with Wi-Fi and charging stations. Get it at www.walksafe.io.
Ready to go a bit further afield? The GM Ringway is a 200-mile walking route around Greater Manchester. There are 20 trails. All accessible by public transport. Some are in the hills and moorland and others are shorter step-free walks. Go to www.gmringway.org.
Need a bit more inspo to get you moving? MCRactive has useful apps and advice for new explorers and runners. Go to www.mcractive.com/outdoors.
Bee Network
The Bee Network is Greater Manchester's transport network. They're making it better-connected, so it’s easier to use and more reliable. Find out more about buses, trains, trams and bikes on their website at www.tfgm.com.
Electric vehicles (EVs)
It’s estimated that by 2038, around 150,000 electric car and light goods vehicles could be in use in Manchester. To support that, we need more charging points across the city. We're helping to grow the public network. Find out more about EV charging at home and in the city.