Funding boost for cycling and walking plans in Trafford

A scheme intended to persuade more Trafford residents to leave their cars at home and cycle or walk has received a £2.8m cash boost.

The aim of the project is to create a range of transport improvements in a bid to encourage more people make their journeys on their bikes or by foot.

The initiative applies to Stretford, Trafford Park, Old Trafford and Salford Quays and plans will introduce the following –

  • 1.2 miles of segregated cycle lanes
  • 320 metres of shared cycle and walking footway
  • Two signalised junction
  • Four parallel crossings
  • The conversion of a vehicle lane to a junction that better meets the needs of cyclists or people travelling by foot
  • Cycle parking

Most of the money comes from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund - £2.7m - with £100,000 from local contributions.

Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford’s Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change, has welcomed the initiative.

He said:

It benefits those making the journeys, in terms of their health, and of course the environment, by making it easier for Trafford residents to leave their cars at home and make these journeys by bike or on foot. It’s a classic win, win situation.”

The Trafford scheme is one of 18 schemes announced as part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network.

Chris Boardman, Greater Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner said:

We’ve got a real bang for our buck here in terms of the positive knock-on benefits that will be made possible by this investment. More trips on foot or by bike just happen to be a by-product of creating better places to live.”

The news follows from Trafford Council’s announcement of a new £2.6m cycling and walking route around the Mersey Valley.

The Council has approved the Urmston to Sale Water Park cycling, walking and equestrian improvement scheme.

The plans, which are being managed by the One Trafford Partnership, will upgrade cycling facilities near the M6O and will link Urmston and Sale Water Park to the Mersey Valley Visitors Centre and Jackson’s Boat Bridge.

The proposed route will run between Trafford and Manchester and incorporates Jackson's Boat Bridge, which connects the two boroughs over the River Mersey. 

Cllr Adshead added:

 As a Council we are committed to improving facilities for cycling and walking in the borough and this is a great example of how we are doing this.”  

Posted on Friday 22nd March 2019