Manchester Velodrome to reopen as city makes bid to become the first European Capital of Cycling

Manchester is formally in the running to be the 2024 European Capital of Cycling. This comes as Manchester City Council has announced they have formally submitted the relevant paperwork. 

The announcement also comes as it has been confirmed that the British Cycling Velodrome in Manchester is set to reopen this month. This follows a two year closure in order for £27 million of restoration to be carried out. 

In September the city will welcome a delegation from ACES Europe, who will decide the winning bid to become the Capital of Cycling, to meet with city partners and set out the city’s ambitions to become a great cycling city. 

Further improvements of cycling opportunities in the city includes the launch of the Bee Network later this year. More than 13 km of cycleways have already been constructed, with additional routes in locations such as Ancoats and Deansgate in the pipeline. 

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been in a position to make this bid. Cycling is at the heart of our transport strategy for the next five years, and with the impetus this accolade would bring, I am confident we will be able to truly make Manchester a great cycling city. 

“We are determined, alongside our valued partners in the city, to capitalise on what becoming the Capital of Cycling would mean and to ensure that we can create a lasting legacy.

“This bid could be a watershed for the city. If we seize this opportunity I am certain we will be able to delivery lasting change to our communities.” 

Richard Nickson, Active Travel Programme Director at TfGM, said: “We are passionate about making cycling safe and accessible to everyone in Greater Manchester and are delighted to support our colleagues at Manchester City Council in their bid for the Capital of Cycling in 2024. 

“As a city-region we are already progressing with building the country’s largest cycling and walking network in the country as part of the Bee Network, which once complete will cover circa 1,800 miles and be the longest, integrated network connecting every neighbourhood of Greater Manchester. 

“The infrastructure we’re building, along with many other interventions such as bike libraries and cycle training courses, are already enabling more people to take up cycling. We’d welcome the opportunity to celebrate our cycling journey so far in Greater Manchester.”