Former Olympic cycling champion Chris – who was appointed cycling and walking commissioner in 2017 – will now help to accelerate delivery of Greater Manchester’s integrated transport system known as the Bee Network.

His appointment is said to reflect the importance placed in the city region of taking forward affordable and accessible transport.

“I am delighted to take on the role of Transport Commissioner,” Chris said. “Our vision for Greater Manchester was never just about delivering quality cycling and walking routes. While they are essential ingredients in making Greater Manchester a better place to grow up, get on and grow old, they are only a part of the solution.”

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said that Chris Boardman’s “work and drive” to make the city region rival places such as Copenhagen and New York “has been inspirational”. He added: “I know he will apply this same vision in his new job.”

Transport for Greater Manchester has also published research suggesting that more than half of the residents living in phase one of the city region’s proposed cycle hire zone would consider using the scheme when it launches in November.

The proposed scheme will also offer electric bikes, and two thirds of those surveyed who said they would consider using the hire scheme said the inclusion of e-bikes would make them more likely to use it.

Chris Boardman said: “All the data suggests the cycle hire scheme is likely to lead to a huge increase in the numbers choosing to get around by bike, especially women.

“Ownership, storage and maintenance of a bike are all barriers for many and cycle hire will take that away by offering an affordable, sustainable and healthy transport alternative to hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors.”

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