Walk Ride GM has launched an ambitious new pilot project to establish the UK’s first coordinated network of walking and cycling buses for school travel.
The project will test a scalable model for helping more children travel to school actively, safely and sustainably. The pilot will initially focus on Manchester and Trafford, working with local authorities, schools and community partners to connect routes, support volunteers and build a coordinated system that can grow across the city region.
The project aims to move walking and cycling buses beyond isolated parent-led initiatives by creating a structured programme supported by councils and partners. By combining community experience with local authority data and infrastructure planning, the scheme will develop a practical blueprint that could be replicated across Greater Manchester and nationally.
We will deliver the project in partnership with Manchester City Council, Trafford Council, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Mums for Lungs.
Do you want to be a part of a unique opportunity to shape the UK’s first coordinated walking and cycling bus network and influence national policy and practice? To deliver the programme, we are now recruiting for two roles.
Walking and Cycling Bus Coordinator
We’re seeking a Walking and Cycling Bus Coordinator to lead the delivery of the pilot programme across Manchester and Trafford. The role will act as the central link between schools, councils, community partners and volunteers, helping to develop routes, recruit and support volunteers, and coordinate activity across multiple schools.
The Coordinator will also support community engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and help develop a replicable model for future rollout.
- Salary: £38,000
- Duration: 12 months (potential extension)
- Location: Greater Manchester (Manchester and Trafford focus)
- Application deadline: 24 March 2026 (midday)
- Interview dates: 1–2 April 2026
- Job description and person specification
Project Administrator for Walking and Cycling Bus Programme
We are also seeking a freelance Project Administrator to support coordination and delivery of the programme.
The role will provide essential administrative support across meetings, volunteer coordination, training events and project monitoring. This position will help ensure smooth delivery across multiple schools, partners and community groups.
- Contract value: £14,400 (approx. 9 days per month)
- Duration: 12 months (potential extension)
- Location: Greater Manchester (Manchester and Trafford focus)
- Application deadline: 3 April 2026
- Interview dates: 23–24 April 2026
- Contract description
How to apply
To apply for either role, candidates should send a CV and covering letter explaining how they meet the experience required.
Applications should be emailed to cazz.ward@walkridegm.org.uk by the relevant closing date.
Live in Manchester or Trafford and want to take part?
We’re looking for local residents to help monitor traffic levels on streets near our walking and cycling buses. You can take part by hosting a Telraam citizen-science sensor in your window, which counts different types of road users and helps us understand how travel patterns change.
Sign up using our expression of interest form if you’d like to get involved.