Some bikes are now allowed on trams in Greater Manchester from this week, as a ‘supervised trail’ has now been launched.
Passengers who regularly use the Metrolink will know that folded bikes in bags have been permitted on trams in the region under the current rules for quite some time now, but standard cycle bikes and non-standard bikes are not allowed.
Officially launching last Thursday (29 February), and being supervised by the tram operator, Keolis Amey Metrolink (KAM) under test conditions, the ‘guided pilot’ is taking place with volunteers selected by TfGM.
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The pilot will run for the next four to six weeks on off-peak services on different lines, routes, and stops across the Metrolink network, and at different times of the day and days of the week.
However, it is very important to note that, during the ‘guided pilot’, there has been no change to TfGM and Metrolink’s ‘Conditions of Carriage’ policy – which means that bikes and non-standard cycles are not allowed to be taken onto trams by members of the public, and only invited participants under supervision by KAM staff will be able to take their bikes on the Metrolink network.
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Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham committed to carrying out the pilot study as part of his mayoral manifesto.
It was also recommended by the region’s Active Travel Commissioner, Dame Sarah Storey.
Bikes are now allowed on Greater Manchester trams as ‘supervised trial’ begins / Credit: TfGM
TfGM says the pilot has been developed to ensure “all passenger groups are represented” – which includes people with disabilities, and those travelling with pushchairs.
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Researchers’ aim of the pilot is to observe different scenarios involving bikes on trams in a controlled way, and record the experiences of everyone using trams.
The space required to transport bikes alongside passengers, as well as the existing challenges of accommodating bikes, both on trams and the wider network – including stops and transport interchanges – are to be the main points of consideration.
Not only that, but TfGM has also said it will be using the pilot to look at the carriage of adapted bikes used as mobility aids, scooters, and a broader range of mobility scooters that are not currently permitted too.
Only bikes approved by TfGM for the pilot are permitted on trams across the region / Credit: TfGM
Feedback from other passengers will also be recorded as a part of the pilot, along with feedback from the volunteers taking part and any other participants involved, and then, a follow-up report will be taken to the Bee Network Committee later this year with recommendations about bikes on the Metrolink network in the future.
“I’m pleased the pilot to test the carriage of bikes and non-standard cycles on trams is now underway,” commented Danny Vaughan, who is the Head of Metrolink at TfGM, “and I look forward to reviewing its findings.
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“I would like to remind Metrolink customers and cyclists that only invited volunteers can take part in the pilot, and that the current conditions of carriage still stand.
You can read the current rules around taking bikes on trams on the TfGM website here.
Featured Image – TfGM
Travel & Tourism
Manchester Marathon 2025 guide – all you need to know about the ‘largest day of UK marathon running’
Danny Jones
It’s nearly here… The 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon is just days away, and the mix of pre-race nerves, excitement and general hysteria is palpable, so much so that the only way we can think to calm both us and all you lot down is putting together a helpful guide.
Take no notice of those anticipatory jitters: don’t worry, they’re completely natural, but it’s worth reminding you that the Manchester Marathon is known worldwide not only as one of the flattest and fastest in Europe but also one of the most well-attended and fun to run full stop.
With London’s counterpart taking place simultaneously, the Manchester Marathon this Sunday, 27 April, is set to make up the single biggest day of running in UK history – what a thing to be part of.
All the hard work’s been done, you’re coming towards the end of the taper; supporters, we hope your homemade signs are primed and ready; there’s just one long run left, so with that in mind, here’s all the important info you need to know for this year’s Manchester Marathon.
2025 Manchester Marathon – everything you need to know
How about we start with the start times, eh?
MCR Marathon waves – colours, times and more
By now, those of you taking part should have all received/picked up your event packs, including your bib number and wave colour.
These are essential not only in order for your chip time to be recorded but for you to enter the start process before you actually begin your marathon and, of course, for your loved ones to track your progress throughout the day. Here’s where you need to be at what time, depending on your wave:
You can also find info on your pacers HERE. (Credit: Manchester Marathon)
2025 Manchester Marathon route
Now, the main headline this year is that the Manchester Marathon has a brand-new finish line, with the annual race relocating from the home stretch near the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground to the iconic Oxford Road.
Wrapping up proceedings in the shadow of one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, we can’t think of a more picturesque place for a box office finish.
You can see a quick run-through of the route down below:
As for the points where you’ll be able to grab extra fluids and even back-up HIGH5 energy gels, there will be a total of eight water stations throughout the marathon, spread out as evenly as possible across the various parts of Greater Manchester that the route runs through.
There will be portable toilets available at every single water stop in case of emergencies too, and there is also a full map of where to find them.
As for bag drop, a new system is in place for the 2025 Manchester Marathon, with belongings from each wave being carefully loaded onto separate lorries and transported from the initial drop point near the starting area over towards the finish line, saving your tired little legs from doing any extra work.
Participants will first drop their bags off near the front of Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium, on Wharfside Way – it’s recommended you arrive at least 45 minutes before your actual start time – before being given a wristband and picking them up over at the Oxford Road finish line. More info HERE.
As for this year’s dedicated Manchester Marathon fan zones and cheer points, you’ll find popular spectator hotspots, including the Deansgate Interchange, the Chester Road strip leading up past Stretford Mall and a main section of Chorlton’s high street, just to name a few.
Thankfully, you can find lots more tips on where to cheer on your friends and family via the online Supporter Hub, including help when it comes to tracking them.
In addition to the multiple signposted junctures and atmosphere hubs seen in the virtual route tour above, with more live music and festivities from artists, charities and local organisations than ever, the 2025 equivalent of previous years’ event village comes in the form of an all-new fan zone on Oxford Rd.
Find out more about what those taking part and cheering from the sidelines can enjoy in and around the action.
It’s also worth noting that the new ‘Adizero: For The Fast‘ pop-up will be open all the way from Thursday, 24 April to race day at Impossible Bar on Peters Street in the city centre.
The space is open to all and will host shake-out runs, exclusive product ranges, panel discussions and a variety of other activities; a collaborative adidas and Made Running cheer point will also be located at the one-mile mark on the corner of Deansgate.
If, for whatever reason, you can’t help line the streets yourself on the day, then you’ll be glad to hear that you can watch the whole thing online via a livestream on the Manchester Marathon YouTube channel – including Atherton’s very own Olympian getting the runners underway.
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MCR Marathon road closures
As for the part of the city, Trafford and other sections of Greater Manchester that will be impacted by the Manchester Marathon road closures, here at the key points to know:
Parts of Oxford Road, Hulme Street, Grafton Street and other city centre streets will shut from 8am on Saturday and noon before the race on Sunday. As for the event itself, the route will go on to shut down the likes of Deansgate, Chester Road, and various other sections of road from 4am onwards.
You can find a full guide along with specific timings for each road closure HERE.
Further travel advice and public transport info
Last but not least, if you’re travelling into or across the city region for the action, Transport for Greater Manchester have recommended using our brilliant Bee Network to get around wherever possible.
Not only will this help reduce congestion in and around the city limits, but it also helps contribute to the adidas Manchester Marathon’s commitment to making the event as green as possible.
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There are plenty of park and ride facilities at your disposal, and TfGM have also put together an interactive map for you to consult when planning your journey:
Now, we’re not trying teach you how to suck eggs, but it goes without saying that you should eliminate all panics possible, so get those phones, smart watches earphones and so on charged up, get your safety pins sorted early and so on.
Make sure you take in plenty of carbs for those much-needed energy stores in the days leading up to the race, lots of water too, not to mention as much rest and actual sleep as possible.
As for active preparation, you don’t need to be doing much more than a casual 5k jog or some light exercise in the last few days before the actual race – a steady little shakeout run the day prior at most. Lastly, ensure your race kit is washed and ready because a wardrobe dilemma is the last thing you need.
No matter what happens on the day, we’re already so proud of you all, whether you’re a returning runner, a first-timer, a dedicated fundraiser, or even just walking those magnificent 26.2 miles. Now go and SMASH it and we’ll see you for a refreshing reward at the pub!
Featured Images — adidas Manchester Marathon (supplied)
Travel & Tourism
Social media beauty spots and selfies blamed for record rise in mountain rescue callouts
Daisy Jackson
There’s been a record rise in the number of young people needing help from mountain rescue teams – and social media has been blamed for luring unprepared people into potentially dangerous situations.
As well as these viral beauty spots – such as Mam Tor – the rise in call-outs has also been attributed to ‘poor-quality map apps’ which can stop functioning when in areas with poor phone service.
According to an exclusive report in The Guardian, it’s now tourists under the age of 24 who are most likely to need mountain rescue’s assistance while out walking.
The data provided by Ordnance Survey said that the number of call-outs from this age group has almost doubled between 2019 and 2024.
Overall rescues increased by 24% over a similar period.
A spokesman for Mountain Rescue said that young people are drawn to places like the Lake District after seeing images on social media, but are often not dressed or equipped properly for the conditions.
Nick Giles said people are often ‘too reliant on mobile phones’ and unprepared for the changes in weather and terrain that come with hiking.
Mike Park, chief executive of Mountain Rescue England and Wales, told The Guardian: “We know from incident reports that more and more people are tempted into risky locations by Instagram posts and the navigation apps being used aren’t always suitable for an outdoor environment.
“Add to that a tendency to follow popular routes online without knowing the hazards and context, and it’s not surprising that those likely to be relying most on their phones are the ones getting into difficulties.”
Before you head out on any hike or walk, you should make sure you’re prepared and equipped – see Mountain Rescue’s tips HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
6th March 2024 
