Posted: 12 November, 2025
Greater Manchester has launched the first inclusive cycling network in England, to help make active travel accessible to everyone - including those with disabilities, long-term health conditions and differing needs.
With centres in every borough, the network will enable people to try out different types of cycles in safe and supportive settings, with a focus on fun and enjoyment.
Supervised sessions at parks and sports centres will build participants’ confidence, independence and wellbeing.
A variety of cycles are available to meet individual needs, including handcycles, tricycles, side-by-sides, recumbents and tandems.
The Greater Manchester Inclusive Cycling Network is made up of 15 partner organisations, including Wheels for All - the largest provider of inclusive cycling in the country - and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
The first network of its kind in England, its partners will work together, share knowledge and support one another to overcome challenges and make cycling more accessible for everyone - regardless of ability, background, or experience.
The network was launched at a Wheels for All session at Leigh Sports Village on Monday 10 November where the charity’s new patron Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner for England, was joined by Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester.
The event saw members of the public enjoying the use of adapted cycles on the sports village’s outdoor track, while volunteers and staff from each of the network partners came together for the first time for training and discussion.
One of the participants, Eileen Powrie, who also volunteers at Wheels for All said: “It puts the joy back in life. People get to 70 and they think their life is over, but it gives you your life back.”
Andria Wright, from Abram, who also took part in the Wheels for All session, added: “They’ve changed my life, it’s given me a purpose. My mental health has improved so much. I’m included now, I’m just like anybody else.” Her husband Neil Wright, added: “She’s 18 again with a sparkle in her eye.”
Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Cycling really can be for everyone and the Greater Manchester Inclusive Cycling Network is a testament to the work being done to enable more people to try the cycle that works for them. We know from the recent Cycling UK report that when disabled people are given the opportunity to cycle, the benefits are almost immeasurable, from improved physical health and mental well-being to greater access to places and opportunities, and far less instances of loneliness and social isolation.
Building confidence for cycling is not always that easy and across the network of inclusive cycling centres here in Greater Manchester, staff and volunteers are providing bespoke sessions for people with a wide variety of needs. As well as being able to try different types of cycle the network’s 15 partner organisation are also providing support with cycle training, navigation skills and cycle maintenance.
It is fantastic to see the work being done to enable more people to learn to cycle independently and as we build the Bee Network cycling routes, we know we will be able to support more people using different types of cycle to make their short everyday journey with confidence and freedom.”
Recent data from the Activity Alliance shows that 82% of disabled people in the north west of England would like to do more activity.
Cycling UK has also published a report on Inclusive Cycling in partnership with Motability that found the main barriers to disabled people trying or taking up cycling included a lack of opportunities to hire non-standard cycles and the cost to buy and store their own cycle.
The report also found that when disabled people were given the opportunity to cycle the benefits were huge – with 88% reporting improved physical or mental wellbeing, 82% having better access to places and opportunities and 65% feeling more confident when cycling.
Yvonne Stead, Regional Manager for Greater Manchester and Yorkshire at Wheels for All, said: “At Wheels for All, we’re proud to be part of the first inclusive cycling network in the region and to see Greater Manchester leading the way in making cycling truly accessible for everyone. This collaboration is about more than just providing equipment – it’s about giving people a choice, and the confidence to enjoy cycling in a way that suits their individual needs.
Across Greater Manchester, we’re celebrating the freedom and opportunity that comes when everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to be part of the cycling community.”
Chris Boardman CBE, National Active Travel Commissioner ad Wheels for All’s Patron, said: “Cycling has countless mental and physical health benefits and everyone should have the right to participate if they choose, regardless of bank balance or geography. I am pleased to be part of the launch of the country’s first inclusive cycling network and I hope this is a model that is replicated nationwide. I’ve witnessed first-hand the impact of making cycling accessible in local communities, it is often the highlight of someone’s week – that’s why the work of Wheels For All and the delivery partners is so vital.”
As well as playing a supporting role in the new network, TfGM is working with Wheels for All and other partners to help make its own cycle training programme more inclusive and develop clear progression and opportunities for disabled people and those with long term health conditions to cycle as much as they want to.
Want to get involved? Find your nearest inclusive cycling hub here: https://wheelsforall.org.uk/locations
