Posted: 2 November, 2026
Wheels for All the National inclusive cycling charity is partnering with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to build on the success of the Bike Buddy programme over the past two years.
This new phase of the programme will support a further five organisations across Greater Manchester to develop a culture of inclusive cycling. Through the Bike Buddy programme, participating organisations will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to enable their staff and volunteers to support disabled people, people living with long-term health conditions, and less active older adults to enjoy cycling safely and regularly.
By integrating inclusive cycling into their regular activities, organisations will help more people experience the physical, mental and social benefits of cycling. The programme aims to increase levels of physical activity, improve health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation, build confidence and independence, and demonstrate that cycling is an accessible, and sustainable activity for everyone.
Wheels for All is a national charity dedicated to making cycling accessible for everyone. It supports disabled people, individuals with long-term health conditions, older adults, and those who are inactive through inclusive cycling centres across England. The charity also works with a wide network of independent cycling partners to deliver inclusive cycling opportunities within local communities, that are safe, enjoyable, and accessible for people of all abilities.
The Bike Buddy programme was developed in 2020 to help disabled people, those with long-term health conditions, and older adults remain active and connected within their communities during the national lockdowns. The programme provides participating care and support organisations with a fleet of adapted cycles, together with training and ongoing support from Wheels for All.
Bike Buddy is designed to build participants’ cycling skills, confidence, and independence. Starting from familiar care or community settings, individuals are supported to develop the knowledge and confidence to cycle safely, with many progressing to independent cycling and greater community participation.
Yvonne Stead, Regional Manager for Greater Manchester and Yorkshire at Wheels for All said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Transport for Greater Manchester for their continued commitment to, and enthusiasm for, this project. Thanks to their support, we are now looking to partner with up to five more organisations across Greater Manchester, enabling their staff, volunteers and participants to experience the many benefits of inclusive cycling.”
“Cycling is a fantastic activity for people of all ages and abilities. It encourages people to get outdoors, stay active and explore their local communities, while improving physical fitness, supporting mental health and enhancing overall wellbeing. We are passionate about ensuring everyone, regardless of age, ability or circumstance, can experience the freedom, confidence and enjoyment that cycling can bring.”
Ross McGuigan, Senior Active Travel Officer, Transport for Greater Manchester:
“Enabling everyone to choose active travel modes for everyday journeys is central to our transport vision for a cleaner, greener, and healthier region, and our aim of making Greater Manchester one of the best places in the world to grow up, get on and grow old. Wheels for All’s focus on providing programmes that deliver accessible cycling for all is exactly the kind of project we wish to support; breaking down inclusion and accessibility barriers and helping more people across Greater Manchester access the health and wellbeing, social and environmental benefits of getting out on a bike.”
“Bike Buddy continues to be a truly exciting programme with huge potential for positive, long-lasting impact. We are greatly looking forward to continue supporting and working with Wheels for All and the 5 chosen groups, identified from these Expressions of Interest.”
We will provide the successful organisations with a comprehensive package of hands-on training, adapted cycles and ongoing support, helping them to embed a sustainable culture of inclusive cycling within their own setting. This will enable their staff, volunteers and service users to enjoy the benefits of cycling for years to come.
We are inviting local disability focused organisations, charities and support services to submit an Expression of Interest to be considered for this exciting opportunity.
Organisations interested in applying can find full details about the Bike Buddy programme and access the Expression of Interest information on the Wheels for All website at www.wheelsforall.org.uk.