Council leaders have approved the release of a further £2.1million of funding from the Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund to better protect the safety of those walking, wheeling or cycling at seven locations across Bolton, Oldham, Stockport and Wigan.
The new crossings, which will be delivered in collaboration with local authorities, will better enable active journeys and ensure the safety and convenience of those walking, wheeling or cycling are prioritised.
Dame Sarah Storey, GM’s Active Travel Commissioner, said: “In order to successfully connect the Bee Network and ensure people can access public transport by walking, wheeling or cycling, it is vital that high quality crossings are delivered in conjunction with other infrastructure.
“Feeling unsafe whilst crossing roads is one of the main barriers for people making their short journeys on foot, in a wheelchair, or when accompanied by children or older people who don’t feel as quick as they once did. I’m pleased to see a further seven crossings being confirmed and am looking forward to seeing the pipeline further developed so the benefits can be felt across the region.”
The seven new schemes are being delivered as part of the Bee Network crossings project, which was established in 2019 to make it safer for people to cross busy roads in key locations across GM. The project aims to deliver 35 crossings, or upgraded junctions with crossing facilities, across all ten districts in GM.
In 2020, the first 17 new Bee Network crossings were approved for development in Harpurhey and Bury following a £2.4million investment.
In the Harpurhey area of Manchester, five of ten new or upgraded crossings are now fully operational. Work is continuing on site and the outstanding crossings are due to complete this autumn.
In the East Ward area of Bury, five new or upgraded crossings were installed in July 2022 at key points along Rochdale Road, Bell Lane, Wash Lane and Parsonage Street, to make it safer for residents to access more destinations in the neighbourhood on foot or by bike.
The scheme also upgraded two existing road closure points in the area to make them fully accessible for walking, cycling and wheeling.
Dame Sarah Storey, GM’s Active Travel Commissioner, continued: “Residents in Bury told our previous Commissioner that there were areas that weren’t as easy and safe to get around as a pedestrian or cyclist, these new crossing facilities have been well received and now more people can walk, cycle or wheel for their local journeys.”
The final 11 crossings are in development for sites across GM, subject to approval, in 2023.
