Free cycling activities in Greater Manchester
Welcome to The Big Bike Revival in Greater Manchester
This is the place to find everything you need to know about The Big Bike Revival in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re new to cycling or getting back on your bike, you’ll find friendly, beginner-friendly activities near you – from free bike checks to confidence-building group rides. No Lycra, no pressure, and no experience needed.
Meet your local Cycling Development Officer
Whether you’re just starting out or rediscovering the joy of cycling, Gosia Polanska, Cycling UK’s Development Officer for Greater Manchester, is here to help.
Gosia supports people and communities across Greater Manchester to build confidence, fix up bikes, and enjoy the freedom of cycling—no matter their background or ability. She helps coordinate Big Bike Revival activities that make everyday cycling feel accessible, joyful and part of daily life.
Hello! I’m Gosia, and I love cycling across Greater Manchester – a region full of surprises, resilience, and green spaces tucked between its iconic post-industrial streets.
From the hills of Bolton and Oldham to the canal paths stretching toward Cheshire and Yorkshire, each borough has its own character – and every ride uncovers something new. Whether I’m on the Fallowfield Loop or weaving through Heaton Park, I’m always rediscovering just how much nature and community spirit this area holds.
The Big Bike Revival is all about breaking down the barriers that stop people from cycling – things like confidence, cost, or not knowing where to start. Our free sessions make it easier, safer and more joyful for everyone to get involved, whatever your background or ability.
In Greater Manchester, we don’t wait for perfect roads – we make things happen together. That Northern spirit is what I see every time people show up for a ride, learn to fix their bike, or take their first journey with a child in tow.
You don’t need fancy gear or any experience. Just turn up, and we’ll help you discover the freedom of riding your bike – and maybe even help you see your local area in a whole new way.
What's happening near you
We’re working with friendly local organisations across Greater Manchester to offer:
Basic bike repair sessions
- Get a quick repair, puncture fix or safety check by an experienced mechanic – free of charge. Perfect if your bike needs a little TLC.
- Learn what to expect at a free basic bike repair session.
Learn basic bike maintenance
- Want to learn how to fix a puncture or adjust your brakes? Our friendly basic bike maintenance sessions give you the hands-on skills to keep your bike running smoothly.
- Learn what to expect at a learn basic bike maintenance session.
Learn-to-ride sessions
- Whether you’ve never cycled before or want to brush up your skills after time away, we’ll help you build confidence at your own pace.
- Learn what to expect at a learn-to-ride session.
Join a local group ride
- Explore local parks, cycle paths and quiet roads with experienced ride leaders. Go at your own pace, meet friendly people and build confidence on the move.
- Learn what to expect at a local group ride session.
Watch The Big Bike Revival in action
This video gives you a quick taster of what to expect at a Big Bike Revival session. For more details, just click the links above.
Who is it for?
These sessions are open to adults aged 18+, especially if:
- You’re new to cycling
- Haven’t ridden in years
- Don’t feel confident cycling alone
- Your bike needs a check-up or fix
- You want to cycle more for health, fun or everyday journeys
No special clothes, experience or equipment needed – just turn up and we’ll support you.
Who’s running events in your area?
These free adult cycling sessions across Greater Manchester wouldn’t be possible without the brilliant local organisations we partner with to deliver The Big Bike Revival – passionate teams who go the extra mile to help their communities get cycling.
Click on the contact details below to find out when your next session is happening.
Meet Big Bike Revival partner Cycle with Sumayra
What began as a basic maintenance workshop has grown into a powerful community cycling initiative. Sumayra was once an occasional cyclist, riding mainly with her daughters when the weather allowed. She had never considered cycling as a regular mode of transport or a way to connect with others.
That changed when she attended a women-only Big Bike Revival basic bike maintenance session. Gaining the skills to maintain her own bike gave her the confidence to ride more often—and further.
Since then, Sumayra has become a qualified cycling instructor, ride leader, and mechanic. She now runs Cycle with Sumayra, supporting women—particularly from South Asian backgrounds—to build confidence, community and joy through cycling.
Recognised by Cycling UK as a Real Yellow Jersey winner, Sumayra is a role model for others, showing that cycling is for everyone—no matter your background, experience or clothing.
Interested in joining one of her sessions? Contact Sumayra via the links on this page to find out more.
Krimmz Girls Youth Club and The Big Bike Revival
Meet the incredible community behind Krimmz Girls Youth Club in Bolton, one of our inspiring Big Bike Revival delivery partners.
In this video, Khadija Patel shares how cycling became a powerful tool for connection, confidence and wellbeing among South Asian Muslim women and girls in Greater Manchester.
From breaking down cultural barriers to leading group rides for up to 70 women, Khadija explains how Krimmz is creating safe, inclusive spaces for everyone to get pedalling – no experience needed.
Interested in joining one of her sessions? Contact Khadija via the links on this page to find out more.
Where are Big Bike Revival events happening in Greater Manchester?
Use the map below to see where activities are taking place across Greater Manchester. Click on a location to view contact details and find out when the next session is happening.
What people say
Since 2015, thousands of people across Greater Manchester have benefited from The Big Bike Revival. Here are inspiring stories of how cycling has made a difference.
Eric: back in the saddle after 15 years
Eric Daye, 66, hadn’t ridden a bike in over 15 years—until a basic bike repair session at Prestwich Hospital, where he works as a driver and porter, inspired him to give cycling another go.
My bike had been in the loft and was rough and rusted. My colleagues joked about it, but the mechanic fitted new brakes and sorted the gears. I’ve been out a few times now and ridden nearly five miles
Although nervous at first, Eric quickly began to enjoy the benefits: “I was knackered after my first ride, but I kept going out and I’m already feeling fitter.”
His three-mile journey to work includes a couple of small hills, but he’s relishing the fresh air and exercise. “I play a lot of snooker, but cycling is great – it gets you outdoors and moving,” he said.
With his daughter and granddaughters also keen cyclists, Eric hopes it becomes something they can enjoy together:
If you’ve not cycled in years but are thinking about it – just get on your bike
Eleanor: Riding through MS
When Eleanor Waters was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she feared her cycling days were behind her. After nearly a year off the bike, watching friends ride together felt like a painful reminder of what she’d lost.
But thanks to support from Cycle Logic Community bike shop in Manchester and a Big Bike Revival event, Eleanor was able to get her trike repaired and road-ready—reclaiming the joy and freedom of cycling.
While she misses riding on two wheels, her trike gives her the balance and confidence to ride again. And despite challenges with local cycle lanes not always accommodating non-standard cycles, Eleanor isn’t letting anything hold her back.
Cycling means everything.It’s the only exercise I enjoy
Khadija: The Real Yellow Jersey winner transforming lives through cycling
Khadija Patel is one of Cycling UK’s inspiring 100 Women in Cycling and a driving force behind inclusive cycling in Bolton. Through her work with Krimmz Girls Youth Club and support from The Big Bike Revival, she’s helped over 70 women take up cycling—building confidence, community, and joy along the way.
In this video, Khadija shares how a simple conversation on the street sparked a movement, and why cycling is about more than just bikes – it’s about freedom, connection, and creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.
Watch now to see why Khadija was awarded Cycling UK’s Real Yellow Jersey
Ready to take part?
Browse free sessions, meet your local cycling group and discover how The Big Bike Revival can help you get pedalling again – with confidence.
Have questions? Contact Gosia Polanska at [email protected] – she will be happy to help you.
Her own journey started with a Big Bike Revival session, which gave her the skills and confidence to ride. She went on to set up the Manley Bike Train—now joined by 50 parents and children each week—and has since inspired six more bike trains across the region.
Named one of Cycling UK’s 100 Women in Cycling, Gosia brings an infectious energy and a deep belief in what cycling can do—not just for individuals, but for communities and public spaces too. If you're curious about getting started, building a cycling community, or just want to know what’s happening near you, Gosia would love to hear from you.
There’s always a real buzz at our events, and I’d say to anyone feeling unsure: just give it a go. Our groups are incredibly welcoming – just like people on bikes tend to be! There’s something for everyone in almost every corner of Greater Manchester. You can join a ride directly or come along to one of our community events. And if you're unsure, drop me a message – I'm always happy to chat all things bikes. Ride with us!
Other Cycling UK projects in Greater Manchester
As well as The Big Bike Revival, Cycling UK runs other inclusive and accessible cycling programmes across Greater Manchester.
Our Inclusive Cycling Experience supports disabled people to try cycling in a welcoming, supported environment using a wide range of cycles.
And with Making Cycling Easier, you can borrow an e-cycle for free and discover how cycling can work for your everyday journeys.
Explore more ways to ride with us across the city.
