Posted: 2 April, 2026
Wheels for All is proud to be part of a pioneering, place-based approach that is transforming how people across Greater Manchester are supported to live more active, healthier lives.
A recent case study published by Local Government Association (INSERT LINK) highlights the region’s “whole-system approach” to increasing physical activity, bringing together partners across health, transport, community organisations and local government to tackle inactivity and inequality at scale.
At the heart of this collaborative effort is a shared belief: that being active should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability or background.
Breaking down barriers through Bike Buddy
One of the programmes contributing to this ambition is Bike Buddy, delivered by Wheels for All in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester
Bike Buddy was developed to support disabled people, older adults and those with long-term health conditions, within a social care setting, to become more active through cycling. Crucially, it goes beyond simply providing equipment - it builds confidence, skills and long-term behaviour change.
Through the programme, participants are supported by trained “buddies” and their wider support networks, helping them to:
• Learn to ride or return to cycling after time away
• Build confidence using adapted cycles
• Develop skills to cycle independently in their communities
• Integrate cycling into everyday life
This person-centred approach reflects the wider Greater Manchester strategy in that it is incorporating physical activity into daily routines, rather than treating it as a one-off intervention.
Demonstrating real impact across Greater Manchester
The success of Bike Buddy sits within a wider system that is already delivering measurable change across the region.
Greater Manchester’s whole-system approach has contributed to a faster-than-national reduction in inactivity, with rates falling by around 3.1% locally compared to 1.2% nationally—helping to narrow long-standing inequalities in who is able to be active.
Even prior to the pandemic, the region was reducing inactivity at 2.5 times the national rate, highlighting the strength and consistency of this collaborative model.
Beyond participation levels, the benefits of increased physical activity are being felt more widely. Evidence from across the system shows improvements in:
• Mental wellbeing, happiness and self-belief
• Physical health outcomes
• Reduced loneliness and social isolation
• Lower pressure on health services
There is also a strong economic case for this work, with physical activity generating an estimated £4 of social value for every £1 invested. demonstrating the long-term value of sustained, inclusive programmes.
The role of Bike Buddy within this impact
Programmes like Bike Buddy play a crucial role in ensuring these system-wide benefits are felt by those who are often most excluded.
By focusing on disabled people, older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions, Wheels for All is helping to address the inequalities that still exist—where some groups are significantly less likely to be active and more likely to experience poorer health outcomes.
Through tailored support, trusted relationships and accessible cycling opportunities, Bike Buddy contributes directly to:
• Increasing activity levels among underrepresented groups
• Improving confidence and independence
• Supporting better physical and mental health
• Reducing isolation through meaningful social connection
This targeted, person-centred work is exactly what enables the wider system to succeed—ensuring that increases in activity are not only achieved at scale, but shared more equally across communities.
Creating a lasting cycling culture
What makes Bike Buddy particularly powerful is its focus on sustainability and culture change.
Wheels for All works closely with social care local organisations to embed cycling into their day-to-day offer, providing:
• Adapted cycles such as trikes, recumbents and handcycles
• Training for staff and volunteers
• Route planning and maintenance support
• Ongoing mentoring and guidance
This ensures that the impact continues long after initial delivery and creates environments where cycling becomes a normal and accessible activity for all.
Moving forward together
As Greater Manchester continues to lead the way in tackling inactivity, Wheels for All is proud to be contributing to a movement that is changing lives.
Yvonne Stead, Regional Manager for Greater Manchester and Yorkshire at Wheels for All, said:
“Bike Buddy is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared vision. We see first-hand the difference it makes—not just in helping people become more active, but in building confidence, independence and social connection. For many of our participants, this is about far more than cycling; it’s about feeling included, valued and able to take part in their community. Together, we are building a future where everyone has the opportunity to move more and live well.
