Investment in Active Travel Initiatives by Manchester's Bee Transport Plan

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable transportation, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has approved a substantial funding package worth over £20 million. This funding is set to boost active travel infrastructure and community projects across the region, as part of the Bee Network programme.

The funding, agreed at a GMCA meeting on 22 August, will be directed across several key areas. Over 8.6 million GBP will be allocated for active travel infrastructure improvements, including upgrading pavements, cycle routes, and crossings, as well as further developing other parts of the Bee Network program.

School Streets are set to benefit from 2 million GBP, with the funds earmarked for infrastructure maintenance and enhancement. Another 2 million GBP will be spent on Bee Network crossings, particularly around schools, to ensure safer and more accessible routes for children and families.

Local authorities will receive 2.2 million GBP to develop new active travel projects in line with Bee Network standards. This includes initiatives such as cycle hire, with 1.5 million GBP allocated to add new e-bikes to the fleet and extend the Starling Bank Bike hire contract to 2028.

Community-led schemes will also receive support, with 1.7 million GBP earmarked for local initiatives such as bike libraries, 'walk to school' projects, and cycle training. Secure cycle parking facilities and improved signage on active travel routes will receive 500,000 GBP.

Remedial works and updates to existing active travel routes will receive 1.1 million GBP, with a focus on improving accessibility for people with mobility needs.

The Bee Network aims to deliver a fully integrated public transport and active travel system, and this latest funding approval is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

Data from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) suggests that active travel options, such as walking and cycling, are becoming increasingly popular in Greater Manchester. 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. By 2027, 176 kilometres of segregated walking, wheeling, and cycling routes will be built to Bee Network standards.

Walking, wheeling, and cycling continue to be central to Greater Manchester's transport ambitions. This funding is part of the United Kingdom's efforts to promote sustainable transportation and active travel in Greater Manchester. The city-region is committed to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more connected city-region for all its residents.