An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for bearing an image, a movable recording material carrying member for carrying a recording material on a first side thereof, the recording material carrying member cooperating with the image bearing member to form a nip therebetween, a transfer charging member, to which a voltage is applicable, the transfer charging member being contactable to a second side of the recording material carrying member to transfer in the nip an image from the image bearing member onto a recording material carried on the recording material carrying member, a pushing member for pushing the second surface of the recording material carrying member at a first position of the recording material carrying member to increase a width, measured along a movement direction of the recording material carrying member, of the nip, wherein the first position is remote from a second position where the transfer charging member is contactable to the recording material carrying member.