After officially winning the bid to become the ACES European Capital of Cycling, Manchester City Council has unveiled a year-long events programme inspired by the accolade.
A celebration was recently held at Levenshulme’s much-loved cycle cafe, Station South, with details of the programme also being shared.
A new dedicated Manchester Capital of Cycling website has now been launched, which includes details of all upcoming events ranging from the National Track Championships and National BMX Race Series to other initiatives dedicated to encouraging people to cycle more.
The council says that cycling is at the forefront of its future transport policies, with plans in place to expand people’s access to cycle lanes throughout the city and to implement strategies which make it easier for people to move away from conventional modes of transport.
By the end of 2028 the Council aims to have doubled the modal share of people using bikes to travel, ‘meaning that the majority of short journeys in the city would be done via pedal power.’
Harry Radford, Great Britain Cycling Team track sprinter said: “It’s really great to see that Manchester has become the European Capital of Cycling. As someone who grew up and started their cycling journey in Manchester, this is a very special thing to see.
“Cycling is something I hold very close to my heart, progressing from watching racing on TV and club sessions at the age of nine to representing the Great Britain Cycling team at an international level.
“Cycling is also a sport of community and brings many people together just through the simplicity of riding a bike. I encourage everyone to try something different, get involved and find the enjoyment of cycling for themselves.”
- Words:
- Bradley Lengden
- Published on:
- Mon 29 Jan 2024
