Following the huge success of Space for Cycling rides in London in recent months, Manchester will be hosting its first such ride on 30 September.

Organised by the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign, riders can meet at 6.00pm at St Peter’s Square with the ride starting at 6.30pm.

The event is being timed to coincide with the Conservative Party Conference which is being held in Manchester at the same time. The group plan to deliver copies of their Space for Cycling petition to the Conservatives, Manchester City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester.

The Space for Cycling campaign was an initiative first brought about by the London Cycling Campaign which has done three such rides in London, the most recent of which saw 5,000 riders including families of victims and injured survivors descend on Parliament as MP’s were debating the Get Britain Cycling report.

Their campaign began as a response to the growing number of cyclists being killed or injured on London’s roads.

The Space for Cycling campaign calls for:

• Main roads and major junctions to be made safe for cycling using dedicated facilities, separating and protecting people on bikes from motorised vehicles.
• Local streets – places where people live, study and shop – should be transformed into spaces that are safe for cycling and walking by removing through motor traffic and reducing speed limits to 20mph.

As the home of British Cycling, Manchester is at the heart of the sport in this country. Currently less than 5% of journeys in the city are made by bicycle and the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign would like this to increase.

"I would encourage anybody who can spare the time and is passionate about making roads safer for cycling to come down to St Peter’s Square on Monday evening and ensure that our message continues to be heard."

British Cycling Campaigns Manager Martin Key

The Space for Cycling petition comes on the back of some considerable success for cycling safety campaigners in recent months, including government plans to spend £94 million across eight cities and four national parks and a pledge to put cycling at the heart of all future transport policy.

British Cycling’s Campaign Manager Martin Key said:

“It’s great to see campaigning for cycling spreading across the country. While there have been some encouraging messages from government in recent months there is still much work to be done. We need bold solutions, Manchester is making a start but we have so far to go. I would encourage anybody who can spare the time and is passionate about making roads safer for cycling to come down to St Peter’s Square on Monday evening and ensure that our message continues to be heard.”

GMCC General Secretary Richard Alderson said:

“"We urge the Prime Minister to show the political leadership required and commit to a sustained level of funding for all UK residents. We need space for cycling everywhere, so more people of all ages and abilities can feel safe riding a bike for their everyday journeys."

If you can’t make the ride but wish to pledge your support to the Space for Cycling Campaign you can sign the petition here.