An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a recording material carrying member (1) for carrying a recording material (14), wherein an image formed on the image bearing member (3) is transferred onto the recording material (14) carried on the recording material carrying member (1) at a transfer position (Ptr); a moving device for imparting relative movement between the image bearing member (3) and the recording material carrying member (1) toward and away from each other; and an escape (21) for permitting a facing relationship between the image bearing member (3) and the recording material carrying member (1) without contact therebetween when the moving device is imparting approaching relative movement to establish a relative position capable of image formation.