Make Space for Cycling

On Friday 25 April, Love Your Bike and Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign are inviting people to join one of the Bike Friday rides

On Friday 25 April, Love Your Bike and Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign (GMCC) are inviting people to join one of the Bike Friday rides and help spread the message to councillors across Greater Manchester that it is time to make 'Space for Cycling'.

With local council elections due on 22 May, the Space for Cycling campaign is calling on councils to create the space to enable more people to cycle. The campaign will be asking local council candidates to pledge their support for six key themes:

• Protected space on main roads
• Removing through motor traffic in residential areas
• Lower speed limits
• Cycle-friendly town centres
• Safe routes to school
• Routes through green spaces

Catherine Thomson, from Love Your Bike said: “Cycling needs to become a safe, convenient and enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds, for any local journey, it is time to make Space for Cycling".

Jonathan Keenan, from GMCC said: "The Space for Cycling campaign is calling on the local councils and Greater Manchester Combined Authority to make our roads safe and inviting so that everyone can cycle.

"Bike Friday provides a range of cycle rides into the City Centre from various locations into Manchester from various starting places around Greater Manchester and also works with companies and local authorities in Greater Manchester to promote cycling, improve cycle facilities and to encourage more people to continue cycling to school, work and for leisure all year round.

"Whether you're new to cycling, returning to your bike after a break, or cycle every day, join us on Bike Friday. We ride at a moderate pace and have experienced ride leaders. It is entirely law-abiding - we do not try to slow down the traffic. All welcome (bring a bike).

"The Bike Friday cycle rides start at 8am from Middleton - Victoria Avenue East. See the website for details. The Bike Friday cycle rides take place on the morning of the last Friday of every month (except December). The rides go a moderate pace, have experienced ride leaders, are entirely law-abiding and can help people develop more confidence in their cycling abilities."