Transport for Greater Manchester goes live with 32 active travel groups

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched 32 different community groups so far as part of the £1 million Cycle and Stride for Active Lives scheme.

TfGM has launched a new webpage for the scheme in order to help more people become more active through walking and cycling.

The TfGM initiative, which has been funded with a £1m grant from The London Marathon Charitable Trust, has now entered its second year and has welcomed a diverse range of people and groups from across Greater Manchester, including children from disadvantaged communities and people from ethnically diverse communities.

The three-year programme seeks to reach 10,000 people across communities that are least likely to be active or to walk or cycle their journeys.

Richard Nickson, programme director for cycling and walking at TfGM, said: “Everyone should be able to access cycling and walking in a way that works for them, and this scheme provides a real opportunity to make sure everyone has the access and support they need to get active.

“So far, people have found a range of individual benefits from getting involved in their local Cycle and Stride for Active Lives group including improved health and fitness, meeting new people and gaining confidence.

“The scheme is a great step in the right direction to help make Greater Manchester become a true walking and cycling city-region and help us to achieve our targets of one million more sustainable journeys taken daily by 2040.”

Cycle and Stride for Active Lives have been working with the groups to understand their members’ specific needs and the barriers that prevent them from being more active in their daily lives.

The team offers support through cycle training and led walks, enabling local champions to become cycling and walking leaders, and offering grants for access to bikes, cycle parking and other facilities.

One of the groups funded by the project, The Sunnywood Project, a non-profit arts and nature education provider in Bury, will be using the funding to encourage people to get outdoors to boost their physical and mental wellbeing.

Another community group, Tameside Women’s Community Cycling Group (TWCCG), has used the funding to help women gain confidence cycling through cycle training and bike maintenance sessions - as well as providing group social rides.

Atchara Khonglim from Tameside Women's Community Cycling Group, said: "What’s been truly amazing about the scheme is the brilliant and friendly support we've received from the Cycle and Stride team.

“As well as funding towards the group’s development, we’re also receiving valuable professional training services.  This has been fantastic for us as we have ambitious growth plans."