Improvements Made to Cycling and Walking Paths Across Manchester

Cycling and walking routes in Greater Manchester have been extensively regenerated, creating a safer experience that, it is hoped, will encourage more people to leave their cars at home.

The improvements are part of a £2million scheme developed by Transport for Greater Manchester in conjunction with Bury, Tameside and Trafford councils. Projects that have already been completed include a ramp at Guide Bridge in Audenshaw, safer routes to schools, and surface and access improvements to the Bridgewater Way.

The work at the Bridgewater Way is also the first part of the city's Bee Network to be completed. Once finished, the Bee Network will be the largest connected cycle and walking network in the UK.

The Bridgewater Canal towpath in Wigan, known as the Muddy Mile, has been resurfaced, with better signage and improved access points also added to encourage cyclists and walkers to travel from Wigan pier to Worsley, Patricroft and Monton.

Speaking about the work, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Manchester, said: “Cycling and walking is part of Greater Manchester’s wider transport strategy, Our Network, my 10-year plan for an integrated, modern and accessible public transport system.

“Excellent cycling and walking links across our local neighbourhoods are vital to this vision, allowing people to walk and cycle easily and safely for shorter journeys. To see this first piece of the Bee Network in place and ready for many journeys is heartening.”

Greater Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner, Chris Boardman added: “It’s very exciting to see the first official Bee Network scheme up and running, ready for residents to use.

“The Bee Network is all about making it easier for people to get about on foot or by bike and we’re very proud to have helped deliver a route that we know will be well used by thousands of people every year.”

Speaking about work completed elsewhere, the Commissioner said, “These improvements might seem small but the difference they can make to people’s daily lives is huge. The new ramp at Guide Bridge in Audenshaw for example could now mean that someone who would never have considered cycling or walking from the station to the local shops or Ashton town centre can now enjoy a more pleasant, safer journey.”

With such extensive repairs and regeneration being completed across Greater Manchester, it is hoped that other cities and councils will follow suit. Providing better walking and cycling opportunities is an excellent way to promote health and fitness, as well as lessening the environmental impact that comes with the heavy use of cars.

The Bee Network is only just taking shape, but with so much invested in the project (both in terms of finance and good faith) the chances of the project meeting its goals is looking extremely likely.

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