£5m pumped into big bicycle push

GREATER Manchester is set to benefit from a £5million boost to get more of us on to two wheels.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has secured funding from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

The money — which is the largest amount given to any of the cities and regions who bid for funding — will support the work of TfGM’s Cycling and Travel Choices programmes, including providing environmentally-friendly transport options to help get the unemployed back to work and making sustainable choices available to more residents.

These initiatives will support Greater Manchester’s ambitious Growth and Reform Plan, which includes developing an effective transport network and sustained economic growth over the next five years.

The funding will also be used to boost TfGM’s cycle city ambitions, helping those who want to start cycling by providing practical support, training and improved routes.

The Bike Back to Work scheme, where the newly-employed who are signing off benefits are provided with a bike by TfGM to help them get to their new job, will also benefit from the funding.