Cycle plan to turn major town routes into new Bee roads
NEW cycle lanes could be installed along two major Stockport roads.
Greater Manchester has tabled a bid for £21.5m of government funding for a network of pop-up lanes as well as wider improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure.
Stockport council chiefs want to create parallel cycling routes along the A6 and A34 both major routes which cross the borough and connect it with Manchester.
These would link into Chris Boardman’s 1.5bn Bee Network - which aims to create 1,800 miles of protected space across the city region including a futuristic bridge linking the railway station with a park atop the new transport interchange planned for 2023.
Lockdown has seen an increase in cycling due to the quieter roads and people’s increased leisure time - and council bosses say the routes would ensure people continue to feel safe.
Coun David Meller, cabinet member for economy and regeneration said: “These would support all cyclists from those who are new and inexperienced to the more seasoned - and we feel could be delivered permanently if successful.
“These parallel routes would link into the Bee Network. The Bee Network is essential if we’re going to deliver an integrated public transport network that addresses clean air and reduces the overall number of car journeys.”
And he added: “If we’re going to get wide support for walking and cycling we need to do it in a way that tackles road safety.”
Following an apparent U-turn by Manchester City Council it is hoped these can link into the city centre, with a view to the regional.
It would form part of a Greater Manchesterwide pop-cycle network, with leaders also eyeing the possibility of these temporary routes becoming permanent.
Stockport also wants to use money from the first £3.1m trache of the emergency active travel fund to convert bus lanes on the A6 into 24-hour enforceable bus and cycle lanes.
These are intended to create more dedicated spaces for cyclists, while continuing to support the bus network.
Coun Meller added: “While there is obviously a focus on people not using public transport, for many it is unavoidable - particularly when accessing Manchester city centre.
“We also need to think longer-term and the overall sustainably of the bus network.
“We need a robust bus network to take cars off our roads, which will in turn should support walking and cycling as well.”
Stockport council has also been awarded up to £500,000 under TfGM’s Safer Streets Save Lives initiative, for schemes which make it easier for people to adhere to social distancing guidelines while walking or cycling.
This focuses on district centres, identifying ‘pinch points’ and removing street clutter, suspending parking and also narrowing roads to help people keep their distance from each other.
Undertaking street audits to identify pavement pinch points focussing on district and local centres, shopping streets and park entrances, and, where applicable, removing street clutter, suspending parking and reducing carriageway widths to facilitate social distancing.
The authority is also looking to fast-track some of its Mayor’s Challenge Fund and Town Centre Access Plan schemes as part of its Covid-19 response.
These include Offerton to Stockport crossings package and new shared facilities linking Woodbank park with Lower Bredbury.