Welcome to Manchester; quite literally the home of British Cycling. Here you’ll find the nation’s first elite indoor cycling track and one of only two indoor BMX tracks in the world.

Away from the boards and the bumps there are miles and miles of mountain bike trails and canal paths to explore, and with the Peak District National Park just a stone’s throw away, it’s easy to see why so many here have caught the cycling bug.

With 60km of largely segregated cycle lanes built since 2013, and much more soon to follow, the city is right on track to a future on two wheels.

And with so many past, present and future Olympians based here, you never know who you might bump into on your travels.

My city: Paul Farrell

“I don’t have a car, so cycling is my main way of getting from A to B. I like that you can get everywhere in Manchester by bike, often without having to ride alongside busy traffic or struggling up too many hills. I sometimes cycle on my own but prefer group riding. Joining in guided rides and social rides has been a good way of meeting people, and I’ve found riding with others really helps motivate me to cycle more and to explore new places.”

Browse other routes in the Manchester area

Must visit: Coffee Cranks Cooperative

Coffee Cranks Cooperative have been building and riding their cargo tricycles around Manchester since 2013, serving up their coffee at various locations across the city. We caught up with co-founder Zym Wysocki to find out more.

Tell us a bit about Coffee Cranks Cooperative…

We’re a small non-for-profit workers’ co-operative who build and ride our cargo tricycles all around Manchester. All of our surplus is invested in sustainable local projects and start-ups. You can find us in Salford (Monday-Friday), Levenshulme Market (every Saturday) and at various other events around Manchester throughout the year.

What else do you have going on?

We try to bring a co-operative option closer to people and demonstrate that an ethical business can serve delicious coffee. We get involved with numerous cycling initiatives in our city, particularly Platt Fields Bike Hub, but we also collaborate with other cycling groups and activists.

If we were planning a ride in Manchester, where would you suggest that we go?

I’d suggest heading down the Fallowfield Loop towards Chorlton, or alternatively a ride through Debdale Park in Gorton. There’s a great camaraderie among cyclists in the city so it’s always good fun.