Imagine Cycling (in Greater Manchester)

Just imagine! It's 2020 and many more people are cycling, safely, and cycling more often. But how did we manage to achieve that? Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign is 22 years old. 

We've decided to stop for some refreshment, by holding an Appreciative Inquiry* in May. Assisted by two experienced AI practitioners, we will use the power of our imaginations to map our route to 2020 (and cycling heaven).

If you are positive about trying to turn your cycling dreams into reality, please join in.

The session on the 13th May will begin by looking at our strengths and what we can  achieve  when we get it right. We will then look ahead at what we want to achieve by 2014 and then move into planning what needs to happen, who can make it happen and by when. The session will be structured to maximise everyone's involvement and opportunity to have a real say and commit to actions to create a better cycling future in Greater Manchester. 

RSVP to the Campaign's Secretary on richard@gmcc.org.uk   07913 420 943, or call 07973 538 556 to discuss

When:  Monday 13th May. Refreshments & buffet supper from 6pm. Start 6:30pm.  Finish 9pm.

Where: Friends Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester (behind Central Reference Library).

* Appreciative Inquiry: for more detail on this organisational development technique see Wikipedia page.

Bike Week events (19th - 27thJune)

A veritable Biketastic feast of events for Bike Week (June 19th - 27th)

Friday 18th. Adult Social Ride
Start Bike Week off with a relaxed cycle ridevisiting pubs along the canal to Sale and returning via Sale Water Park and Jackson's Boat.

Starting from the Spread Eagle pub, Wilbraham Road, Chorlton at 6pm.
Contact Dick on 07749 421254  for more details.   www.cycle-routes.org/fallowfieldloopline/


19th - 27th June. GM Cycle Commute Challenge

Get on your bike for the GM Cycle Commute Challenge 2010 and be in with a chance to win some great prizes!

The Cycle Commute challenge is simple, all you have to do is cycle to and from your place of work/study at least once during Bike Week (19th – 27th June),  record your cycle trip(s) and you could win a cycle computer, cycle training or bike maintenance sessions and £100 vouchers that can be spent at your local cycle shop.

Sunday 20th.  Trafford Bike Festival. Worthington Park (12 noon - 5pm)

A bike festival aimed at the whole family, in conjunction with Sale Lions annual fete.  Activities include:
Bike smoothie maker
Roller racing event
Guided cycle rides
Mountain bike skills session
Trans Pennine Trail and Bridgewater Way displays
Cyling information, maps and accessories
Displays of vintage and unusual bikes
Dr Bike workshop

Contact Paul Beckett (Trafford Cycling Officer for more details)  Email: Paul.Beckett@trafford.gov.uk



Sunday 20th Manchester Day Parade

Cycle related activities throughout the day. More details available here.

Monday 21st. Maintenance Monday

Many of us have bicycles we could use but they just need a little TLC to get them roadworthy and fit to cycle.

To help you get your bicycle fit for Bike Week, several cycle stores in Greater Manchester have organised "Maintenance Monday" events.







Tuesday 22nd. Bike to Work Day (Albert Square, Manchester City Centre. 8am – 3pm)

  Including a Bike Friday on a Tuesday! Cycle in and earn your free Bike breakfast! Bike Maintenance, servicing, cleaning, information, advice, freebies and even have-a-go activities! Bike skills from 11.30am-2.30pm
Open to all!)

Thursday 24th. Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign - Social Ride

Ride starts at 5.30pm in Albert Square, and going to the Airport via Route 6.
More details from honsec@gmcc.ac.uk

Friday 25th.  Bike Friday

Join in with these ‘led rides’ from locations in Bury, Manchester, Salford and Trafford. Rides finish at Exchange Street, Corporation Street.

All participants can get a free Dr Bike maintenance check and  ‘Coffee and Cake’ at the Titchy Coffee Co.

Route details and times from the Bike Friday website.






Friday 25th. Critical Mass

Mass cycle ride on the last Friday of every month.
Starts 6pm at Central Library, Manchester.

Saturday 26th. Bike Fabulous

A showcase of fashionable and functional clothing plus accessories.
Products designed for cycling in style and high street brands combined for versatile looks.

Manchester Arndale. Activities and competitions throughout the day, catwalk show at 14:00.

More details available here or join the Facebook group.

To find details of other events near you try the following sites: Bike Week 2010,  CycleGM,  Love Your Bike.org and Manchester Bike Week facebook group.

Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign social rides

Now that the warmer weather (!) is upon us and the evenings are getting longer here are details of monthly social rides organised by those nice people at the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign.

Discover pleasant routes out of the city, and find things and places of cultural, historical and alcoholical interest.

They are a series of short (10 miles there and back) rides radiating from Manchester City centre.  Meet at 5.30 p.m (Thursdays) at Albert Square, in front of Manchester Town Hall.

No need to “join” or sign up. Just turn up and ride.

 Dates (Thursdays) and destinations as follows:-

April 22nd, A mooch around Ancoats and a ride along the Ashton Canal to a Camra pub in Gorton.

May 20th, Up the Irk Valley to Heaton Park via Alkrington Woods.

June 24th, Route 6 to the Airport. Beer at the Ship in Styal.

July 22nd, Irwell Valley Way to Clifton Country Park.

August 19th, Up The Irk Valley to Boggart Hole Clough.

September 23rd, Medlock Valley to Crime Lake and possibly Park Bridge.

October 21st,  Along the Rochdale Canal.

November 18th. Around the City and along the Ship Canal.

All riders join at their own risk. Any under 18s to be accompanied by a parent or carer. Contact raikes[at]gmail.com for more details.