Debate rages over £1.5bn bike lane plan
AMAJOR £1.5bn plan to create a thousand miles of interlinked bike and walking lanes across Greater Manchester has sparked a heated debate.
Dubbed ‘Beelines,’ the 10-year proposal would see the creation of 75 miles of segregated cycle lanes similar to those in Holland and Denmark.
As reported in the Observer on Saturday, all 10 local authorities would be given cash from a government grant for the scheme, which is aimed at making some of the region’s busiest roads safe for walking and cycling.
The proposals, which were unveiled by city cycling tsar Chris Boardman last week, have prompted a huge response from people living in Greater Manchester.
Opinion is split between those who welcome the scheme and its aims and those who feel it won’t make any difference, or could even make the roads worse while construction takes place.
Others who took to our website to share their opinions called for other issues, such as potholes, to be addressed ahead of any new cycle-related schemes.
Chris Pow wrote: “So there’s not enough money for things that actually matter and are needed but they can find a couple of hundred million for bike lanes?”
Meanwhile, commentator Simister wrote: “I can’t see them fitting the cycle lanes in on some roads and reducing lanes for cars will just cause more congestion and pollution.
“As for other areas where there is room, it should have been done 20 years ago! A reliable public transport service and an underground will help. Also, I don’t see why cycling bridges cannot be built.
“Making them will provide jobs and skills and will enable people to traverse around quickly. Even hang some plants off them to make them look more attractive.”
On Facebook meanwhile, John Stirzaker said: “This is great news for so many reasons: Reduced congestion, cleaner air, better health and much more social way of getting about.
“Plus why do you think cities that invest in these things are popular? Because it makes them a nice place to live! Oh and reduces the need for social care etc.”
Tim Makin wrote: “Good to see prevention rather than a cure. If it helps reduce the number of oneperson car commuters then it will help reduce the number of cars on the road.
“Hopefully alongside this will be more education to both cyclists and motorists.”
Michael Harwood posted: “Only work if cyclists use the lanes provided, there is no point increasing them when they don’t use lanes already provided... example those dedicated lanes from Kellogg’s to those near Chester Road. All are pointless if actual cyclists don’t use them. Fix our potholes first.”
Ashley James McKean wrote: “Good. Get more people exercising and saving the environment. People are too lazy these days and would rather pay £1,000s every year to drive to work.
“If you wanna pay it then that’s your problem – I cycle to work and I love it.
“It’s great knowing I get the exercise in as well and this is a great idea.”
Paul Ducklin added: “They have cycle lanes at Chester Road roundabout but you still get clowns flying down the centre of the lanes of traffic. The inner and outer ring roads of Manchester are already hammered with traffic and road works. Fix the road and housing issues before you start blowing money on unnecessary things.”
Charlotte Dawn Scanlan said: “This is brilliant, a great move to make cycling safer.”
The plans for each area are still at the first draft stage and, according to those behind the scheme, the final designs will ‘evolve’ based on public opinion.