Vote Bike: Greater Manchester

By Tom Guha
Friday, 24 March 2017
On 4 May, Greater Manchester will go to the polls to elect a new 'Metro Mayor'. Cycling UK and Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign are calling on all candidates to support a set of three asks.

Context

Greater Manchester champions cycling on a global stage for Britain with its stars in the velodrome. However, the success of Greater Manchester’s athletes is not yet mirrored on the city’s streets.  

Currently, Greater Manchester is the second most congested urban area in England and air pollution in the city contributes to roughly 2,000 early deaths every year. 

Residents have clearly shown their support for cycling. A recent report by Sustrans and Transport for Greater Manchester found that 75% of residents want more investment in cycling. Three quarters of people surveyed agreed that more people cycling makes for a nicer place to live and work but cycling was perceived as significantly more dangerous than any other form of transport. 

Currently, only 2% of people in Manchester cycle regularly. Greater Manchester needs a mayor who will turn this around.

What we’re calling for

Cycling UK and Greater Manchester Cycle Campaign are asking all candidates whether they support (yes or no) the set of asks below. You can see how candidates have responded - and take action to quiz them yourself - below.

  1. Ensure more Space for Cycling is provided across Greater Manchester
    Lead initiatives to traffic-calm local streets so people feel they are safe places, while working to plan and deliver a Greater Manchester-wide network of high quality cycleways on key routes
  2. Develop a dedicated budget for cycling and walking schemes in Greater Manchester
    Create a standalone budget for cycling and walking improvements and work with partners across Greater Manchester to lever investment into it, to provide predictable funding to deliver the above
  3. Work towards a highways network with zero road traffic fatalities or serious injuries
    Encourage more people-focused highways designs and prioritise road traffic law enforcement to reduce road danger and make our streets safer and more comfortable for walking and cycling

Take action – click here to back our call!

What candidates have said so far

Candidate

Q.1

Q.2

Q.3

Comments

Sean Anstee
(CON)

YES

YES

YES

Greater Manchester needs a transport system that works for everyone and cycling plays a key part in making that happen.

Jane Brophy
(LIB)

YES

YES

YES

Greater Manchester must become a place where cycling is a normal and safe way for large numbers of people to get around.

Andy Burnham
(LAB)

YES

YES

YES

Greater Manchester should be a place where everyone, regardless of age or economic circumstance, sees cycling as an accessible, safe and effective choice.

Will Patterson
(GREEN)

YES

YES

YES

I'm keen to appoint a Walking and Cycling Champion for Greater Manchester to rncourage behavioural change in the region; I'll also support campaigns in our schools for more young people to walk and cycle to school, with added backing for cycle safety training;

I want Greater Manchester to make an early start on a Walking and Cycling Implementation Plan; of course, I'm supportive of a GM Walking and Cycling Superhighway Network; and I'm in favour of rewriting urban residential planning for the introduction of Barcelona-style superblocks, restricting traffic and creating more safe spaces for walkers and cyclists.

 

 

Designed for Cycling Elections Greater Manchester Metro Mayoral elections