Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has allocated the first phase of funding for active travel schemes across the city-region, enabling safer streets for walking and cycling.
£3.1 million has been provided by the Department for Transport, following a successful funding bid. Borough councils, GMCA and Transport for Greater Manchester have collaborated to coordinate priority schemes for the first phase of funding, aimed to be delivered by October.
Initial schemes include a pop-up cycle route parallel to the A6 in Stockport, as well as routes in Bolton, Bury, Salford and along the A635 in Tameside.
The investment in active travel schemes comes following an increase in cycling and walking journeys during lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic, with the weekday cycling peak reaching 200,000 trips and an average 16% increase.
Local Authorities launched the #SafeStreetsSaveLives campaign to support social distancing during coronavirus lockdown and recovery, with £5m of emergency funding made available through the Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund (MCF).
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
Greater Manchester has set out bold plans to create more space for cycling and walking across our city-region and we’re pleased the Government has backed our ambitions. These measures will help people in every borough of Greater Manchester to take advantage of safer, healthier alternatives to public transport and the car while social distancing remains in place. The political consensus around prioritising active travel is becoming stronger by the day and this is emerging as one area where Greater Manchester and the whole country is set to build back better.”
Chris Boardman, Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:
This emergency funding has empowered Greater Manchester leaders to take immediate action and provide safe travel options for their residents to get to and from key areas.
“By creating temporary space for people to cycle and walk along major protected routes, local authorities can support those who want to do their bit to help save public transport for people who need it most. This will also ensure that the third of Greater Manchester households who don’t have access to a car are not denied the right to safe travel options.
“These are big changes to make and I commend the local authorities for mobilising so quickly and showing bravery and commitment in reallocating space. Their actions will truly make a difference to social inclusion during this emergency situation and make sure everyone has access to safe travel.”