Stockport’s first bee network scheme, which will be part of Greater Manchester’s walking and cycling network, has been completed and is now open.

he walking and cycling route between Newlands Avenue and Woodstock Avenue in Cheadle Hulme, which would help link Thorn Grove Primary School with the nearby St James Catholic High School.

The approved scheme included an upgrade of the existing signal controlled pedestrian crossing on Gillbent Road.
The new ‘Sparrow’ crossing is a signal controlled parallel crossing that keeps pedestrians and cyclists separate as they cross and is one of the first of its kind in the UK.

Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “This council is passionate about walking and cycling and it is great news that work has now been completed on our first #BeeNetwork route.

“The new parallel crossing on Gillbent Road is the first of its kind in the UK, and it’s fantastic news that this new crossing forms the first part of our ambitious active travel plans for the borough.

“I have said all along, this council wants Stockport to become pioneers when it comes to cycling and walking routes in Greater Manchester.

“The Mayor’s Challenge Fund is key to this aim, which is to increase the number of our residents who cycle and walk to their destination – whether that be to work, school, or for leisure purposes.”

Chris Boardman, Greater Manchester’s cycling and walking commissioner said: “Stockport Council is doing excellent work across the borough to enable its residents to leave the car at home and cycle or walk local journeys. The number of schemes currently on the way shows the level ambition they have to create a connected network across communities

“The Gillbent Road crossing is a fine example of how removing the risks posed by junctions can open up a wide range of routes to connect people to the places they want to get to, with confidence. Making crossing the road easy and safe, no matter how you’re travelling, is key to getting people to have a go at walking to the shops, or doing the school run by bike. Great work Stockport!”

Work has begun on three more #BeeNetwork schemes in Stockport. A new link has been created in Nelstrop Road in Heaton Chapel, as part of the Heaton Links scheme, while works began at the beginning of February to create a new protected walking and cycling link between Bramhall Park and the A6, close to High Lane. In addition, our teams have been busy creating part of the Offerton to Stockport link, with improvements made at St Thomas Recreation Ground

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