Consultation launches on new road crossings as part of walking and cycling improvements in Stockport

A public consultation has opened for residents in Stockport to share their views on plans for new road crossings to be installed across the borough as part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network of safe walking and cycling routes across the city-region.

The proposed crossings are being delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in partnership with Stockport Council as part of plans to deliver the UK’s largest network of walking and cycling routes across the city-region. The crossings will form part of Greater Manchester’s integrated public transport and active travel vision to reduce reliance on cars.

The proposed changes in Stockport include:

• A new signal junction at Northgate Road / Edgeley Road and a new segregated cycle crossing facility to connect Edgeley Fold and Northgate Road, improving access to the park and school.
• New ‘green man’ pedestrian crossing facilities at the existing signal-controlled junction of Edgeley Road / Dale Street.
• Changes to the existing gate and bollards on the Cheadle Old Road path in Alexandra Park to improve access for those using double buggies, mobility scooters, adapted cycles, etc.
• The introduction of new double yellows on Northgate Road, Old Chapel Street, Ingleton Road, Edgeley Road and Cheadle Old Road to improve sight lines and safety for all road users.

The online consultation will run until Tuesday 5th July 2022.

Commenting on the plans, Active Travel Commissioner, Dame Sarah Storey, said:

“Developing new crossings for people on foot and bike is a vital part of building a connected Bee Network. As vehicle traffic has increased, many junctions and roads have become almost impassable for those on foot or bike at the busiest times of day and not knowing when or if vehicle traffic will stop makes pedestrian journeys particularly intimidating.

“Being unable to safely cross a road is one of the biggest barriers to people making short journeys on foot and, along with inconveniently parked vehicles affecting sight lines at junctions, people often say the easiest solution is to take their own car instead, further contributing to congestion.

“Creating streets that are safe for all to walk, wheel or cycle is central to the Bee Network strategy and I encourage the residents of Edgeley to get involved and have their say on the suggested solutions these new crossings will bring to some of the areas busier roads and at Alexandra Park.”

Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services, said:

“Together with our colleagues at Transport for Greater Manchester, we believe these proposals will enhance Edgeley and help more of our residents complete journeys by foot or by bike.

“The Mayor’s Challenge Fund is key to our aim of creating these new walking and cycling links and we want them to help increase the number of our residents who cycle and walk to their destination – whether that be to work, school, or for leisure purpose.”

Anyone with views and opinions on the proposed changes can have their say via the online survey. Alternative formats can be accessed by contacting TfGM by email, by calling 0161 244 1000 or by writing to Bee Network Crossings – Stockport, 2 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BG.