Tameside Nominated for Most Improved Council Award for Active Travel

Thanks to major strides in walking, wheeling and cycling initiatives, Tameside has earned a nomination for the Most Improved Council award at the Walk Ride GM Awards.

This celebrates the people and organisations driving Greater Manchester towards streets designed around people, championing walking, wheeling and cycling.

Major improvements this year include:

• Rayner Lane scheme: Resurfacing, widening and enhancing a key off-road route to improve connectivity and make it easier to walk, wheel or cycle to local amenities.
• School Streets: Working with Russell Scott Primary and Livingstone to create safer, healthier journeys for pupils and parents, with three more schemes planned by June 2026.
• Community Cycle Sundays: Free family-friendly events showcasing new routes and encouraging residents to get active.
• Inclusive cycling: Wheels for All sessions offering adapted bikes for people of all abilities.

Beyond infrastructure, Tameside has strengthened its pipeline, policies and partnerships. The Council is working with Transport for Greater Manchester on future plans as part of the Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2050, embedding active travel into the local plan Homes, Spaces, Places, and collaborating with partners including the RNIB to ensure accessibility for blind and partially sighted residents.

Councillor Stephen Homer, Tameside Council Executive Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “We’re proud to be recognised for the progress we’ve made on active travel. Every journey starts with walking, wheeling or cycling, and by investing in safer, more accessible routes we’re helping residents make healthier, greener and more affordable choices. This nomination reflects the hard work of our teams and partners, and we’re committed to going even further.”

The Walk Ride GM Awards aim to inspire councils and communities to keep pushing for better streets and sustainable travel. Winners will be announced at the awards evening later this month.

For more information on walking and cycling in Tameside, visit: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/walkingandcycling.