Greater Manchester Launches England’s First Inclusive Cycling Network

Greater Manchester has unveiled the country’s first inclusive cycling network, designed to make active travel accessible to everyone—including people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and diverse needs.

The network, with centres across all boroughs, provides safe and supportive spaces for people to try a variety of cycles, focusing on enjoyment, confidence-building, and wellbeing. Supervised sessions are held at parks and sports centres, and participants can access a range of cycles tailored to different abilities, including handcycles, tricycles, side-by-sides, recumbents, and tandems.

The Greater Manchester Inclusive Cycling Network brings together 15 partner organisations, including Wheels for All—the largest provider of inclusive cycling in the UK—and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). As the first network of its kind in England, partners collaborate to share expertise, tackle challenges, and make cycling accessible for all, regardless of experience or ability.

The network was launched at a Wheels for All session at Leigh Sports Village, attended by the charity’s new patron, Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner for England, alongside Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester. Members of the public had the opportunity to try non-standard cycles on the outdoor track, while volunteers and staff from partner organisations participated in training and discussion sessions.

Participants described the network’s impact as life-changing. Eileen Powrie, who volunteers at Wheels for All, said: “It puts the joy back in life. People get to 70 and they think their life is over, but it gives you your life back.” Andria Wright, from Abram, added: “They’ve changed my life—it’s given me a purpose. My mental health has improved so much. I’m included now, I’m just like anybody else.” Her husband, Neil Wright, commented: “She’s 18 again, with a sparkle in her eye.”

Dame Sarah Storey highlighted the benefits of inclusive cycling: “Cycling really can be for everyone, and the Greater Manchester Inclusive Cycling Network shows the work being done to enable more people to find a cycle that suits them. When disabled people are given the chance to cycle, the benefits are almost immeasurable—from improved physical and mental health to better access to places, reduced social isolation, and increased confidence.”

Staff and volunteers across the network provide tailored sessions, offering cycle training, navigation support, and maintenance guidance. As the Bee Network cycling routes expand, the network aims to support even more people to make everyday journeys with confidence and independence.

Recent data from the Activity Alliance shows that 82% of disabled people in the North West want to be more active. A Cycling UK report, in partnership with Motability, identified barriers to inclusive cycling, including the high cost of cycles and limited hire opportunities. The study also found that when given the chance, 88% of disabled cyclists reported improved physical or mental wellbeing, 82% had better access to places, and 65% felt more confident while cycling.

Yvonne Stead, Regional Manager for Greater Manchester and Yorkshire at Wheels for All, said: “We’re proud to be part of the first inclusive cycling network in the region. This initiative is about more than equipment—it’s about giving people choice and the confidence to enjoy cycling in a way that suits them. Across Greater Manchester, we’re celebrating the freedom and opportunity that comes when everyone can be part of the cycling community.”

Chris Boardman added: “Cycling has countless mental and physical health benefits, and everyone should have the right to participate, regardless of income or location. I’m delighted to be part of the launch of England’s first inclusive cycling network, and I hope it inspires similar initiatives nationwide. Making cycling accessible is often the highlight of someone’s week, which is why the work of Wheels for All and its delivery partners is so important.”