Every Street in Manchester Has a Story — I Ride Them to Find It
Last winter, I missed my tram and ended up cycling home through Ancoats in the sleet. By the time I reached my front door, I had three story ideas, a new shortcut, and absolutely soaking socks. That ride, somehow, is what this site is built on.
Who I Am
I'm Adrian Dawson — writer, analyst, and someone who genuinely finds urban transport fascinating rather than just functional. I spend a lot of time thinking about how cities move, and specifically how Manchester moves on two wheels. My work sits at the crossroads of data, lived experience, and the kind of practical knowledge that actually helps people get somewhere.
I'm not a racing cyclist. I'm not trying to shave seconds off a Strava segment. I care about the person who wants to commute from Levenshulme to the Northern Quarter without arriving terrified, and the one who's curious whether Manchester's cycling infrastructure is genuinely improving or just getting better-looking signage.
What You'll Find Here
Mcrcityofcycling exists because Manchester's cycling culture deserves honest, grounded coverage — not just cheerleading, and not relentless doom. Here's what I aim to offer:
- Clear breakdowns of cycling routes, infrastructure changes, and transport policy affecting Greater Manchester
- Practical guidance for riders at every level, from first-time commuters to seasoned urban cyclists
- Honest analysis of what's working, what isn't, and why it matters
- Stories from the city's cycling community that reflect real diversity of experience
Cycling in a city like Manchester involves real trade-offs — road conditions, weather, safety, accessibility. I try to engage with all of it thoughtfully, without pretending every ride is a joy or that the challenges aren't worth naming plainly.
Come Explore
Whether you're planning your first commute, following the Bee Network rollout, or just curious about how this city pedals forward — there's something here for you. Dig into the blog, check the routes, or get in touch if you have a story worth telling.
Genuinely glad you're here. Now let's talk about Manchester.