European Capital of Cycling in manchester
In December of 2023, Manchester was awarded the title of the very first European Capital of Cycling for 2024.
Our vision is for Manchester to be in the top-flight of world-class cities and to be zero carbon by 2038, as well as to create a healthier city. Being awarded the accolade of European Capital of Cycling supports these ambitions to the benefit of the city and our residents.
Manchester is home to the National Cycling Centre, a world-class venue that offers a wide range of cycling provision and is the base for British Cycling and the Great Britain Cycling Team. The facility has recently undergone a £26m refurbishment programme which will safeguard its offer to residents from across the city, as well as people from all over the world.
As a city we have a significant number of capital cycling projects in the pipeline, including the development of a series of cycle hubs across the city, and future projects to upgrade or build new assets to drive growth in cycling citywide.
Manchester is part of the wider Greater Manchester Bee Network, which will deliver 1,800 miles of routes and 2,400 new crossings across Greater Manchester in the next ten years. This will transform how people can travel around the city, help to make the air cleaner, and help people to be more active.
We are one of four locations chosen for an e-cycles pilot run by Cycling UK, and we are home to the newly launched Bee Network Cycle Hire scheme, which will continue to expand over the next few years.
We will ensure that cycle training programmes are in place to work with our residents and communities to build confidence in cycling, enabling more people to cycle for leisure and travel. This includes accessible cycling opportunities and support for targeted groups.
As a city we have delivered a number of prestigious events, including the Tour of Britain, the Tour Series Grand Final, and the National Track Championships, in addition to several international events across a number of different sports.
Along with partners including British Cycling, Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Marketing Manchester and community cycling groups, and with our infrastructure and connectivity, plus our passion for cycling, Manchester is delighted to be the very first European Capital of Cycling.
