Manchester bids to become the first European Capital of Cycling, Powered by EBikes

Manchester`s bid to become the European Capital of Cycling for 2024 marks the culmination of years of efforts to promote cycling and the use of EBikes in the city and the Greater Manchester region. In September, ACES Europe will visit the city to assess the bid and discuss Manchester`s cycling ambitions, including the integration of eBikes into the transportation landscape.

September also brings exciting news as the National Cycling Centre reopens after a two-year renovation, with an increased focus its environmental credentials, going hand in hand with the use of EBikes in Manchester.

The Tour of Britain passed through Greater Manchester in September 2023, featuring a thrilling sprint on Deansgate in Manchester City Centre, showcasing the potential of cycling and eBikes alike in urban mobility.

Earning the European Capital of Cycling title would be a remarkable achievement, promoting not only traditional cycling but also eBikes, further enhancing Manchester`s position for future funding and international recognition.

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, expressed pride in the bid, emphasising cycling`s role in the city`s transportation strategy, which would include the promoting of ebikes. Manchester aims to double its cycling mode share by 2028 and become a zero-carbon city by 2038, with a significant contribution from the use of electric bikes.

The Bee Network, a £70 million initiative, is creating protected cycling routes throughout Manchester, with dedicated lanes for bikes and EBikes. Over 13km of cycleways have already been built, with more planned in areas like Ancoats and Deansgate, designed to accommodate bikes and Ebike users together.

Cycling, including ebikes, is also central to improving health outcomes and reducing health inequality through the Making Manchester Fairer program.

Gian Francesco Lupattelli, President of ACES Europe, praised Manchester`s bid and its commitment to cycling, including eBikes. British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton commended the city for its progress in promoting all forms of cycling, while Richard Nickson, Active Travel Programme Director at TfGM, highlighted the extensive cycling and walking network, which includes provisions for ebike users, under development in Greater Manchester.