Joe Webb, Development Director at GRAHAM and Danny Hope, Regional Director at Stantec, selected an active, low‑carbon way to travel to this year’s UKREiiF by cycling off‑road from Manchester to Leeds via some of the North’s best green and blue corridors.
They both departed from Station South in Manchester on Sunday 17th May, following the Trans Pennine Trail, canal towpaths, bridleways and other traffic‑free routes, travelling across to Barnsley for an overnight stay before they arrived in Leeds city centre on Monday afternoon. Their route showcases the power of connected green infrastructure, supporting biodiversity while promoting healthier, more sustainable ways of moving between our towns and cities.
On arrival in Leeds, they joined Club Peloton’s road cyclists to launch a gravel option for the Cycle to UKREiiF 2027, highlighting how active travel can link communities locally, regionally and nationally. These blue and green corridors are not only vital for wellbeing but also play a critical role in biodiversity and long-term sustainable development.
By demonstrating how our cities can be connected through green and blue spaces, Joe and Danny hope to underline the importance of ensuring all communities have access to high‑quality green infrastructure, making future development healthier, more sustainable and valuable in the long term.