Six new cycling and walking schemes are set to get the go-ahead in Greater Manchester following a £13.07 million funding boost from the government's Active Travel fund.

The announcement from the Department of Transport came on Saturday (14 May). 

Transport for Greater Manchester say the schemes will be delivered in four boroughs – Manchester, Rochdale, Salford and Tameside – and will make it easier, safer and more attractive for people to walk, cycle or wheel for everyday trips.

The funding will be used to improve pedestrian facilities, add protected cycle lanes, deliver new crossing facilities and roll out Greater Manchester's CYCLOPS junctions in five more locations.

Designed by Greater Manchester engineers, CYCLOPS – Cycle Optimised Protected Signal – junctions completely separate pedestrians and cyclists from each other, and from motor traffic, at junctions, eliminating some of the most hazardous conflicts on the road network.

The new routes will form a vital part of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester's vision for an integrated transport system connecting all forms of public transport, including active travel.

This announcement follows confirmation that the city-region is set to receive more than £1 billion to help deliver the Bee Network, which includes a further £63 million dedicated to active travel.

Andy Burnham, Mayor for Greater Manchester, said: “It’s brilliant that we have been awarded more funding from government that will allow us to continue delivering high quality, accessible and safe active travel infrastructure across GM.

“Over the next 12 months we will continue to build on the plans to make active travel the number one choice in our city-region for everyday trips to work, school and the shops, or as part of a longer journey using public transport.”

Dame Sarah Storey, Mayor’s Active Travel Commissioner, commented: “I’m delighted to receive news of the additional investment from government into the active travel routes across GM.

“At the end of a busy first week in post it’s very clear to see the high ambition across the region, and funding boosts like this enable the momentum to continue.

“I’m looking forward to working with our local authority partners to make these schemes a reality and to enable more people to benefit from choosing active travel for the daily trips.”

This is the third tranche of funding that Greater Manchester has received from the government’s Active Travel Fund.

To date, the city-region has received over £19 million from the Active Travel Fund to deliver a range of cycling and walking schemes across the 10 local authorities, along with a programme of community projects that encourage more people to walk or cycle.

Active Travel Fund proposed schemes (tranche three)

Schemes are subject to public consultation and further design development prior to implementation.

Tameside

A57 Crown Point (Phase one)

This scheme will create two CYCLOPS junctions at the Crown Point junction and the A57 Hyde Road/Saxon Street junction. The improved active travel infrastructure will support safer access to services and facilities within Denton town centre and provide health benefits through increased physical activity and reduced dependency on private vehicles.

Manchester

Alan Turing Way

This scheme will deliver a road safety improvement where Ashton New Road meets Alan Turing Way, connecting the segregate cycleways on Alan Turing Way, improving links for walking and cycling between the Beswick Active Neighbourhood scheme, the Ashton Canal scheme and the Velodrome.

Fountain St/High St

Creation of a high-quality walking and cycling environment on Fountain St/High St in Manchester city centre.

Rochdale

Castleton (Phase one) 

The scheme seeks to improve conditions for walking and cycling through Castleton town centre from Castleton railway station up to the Royal Toby. It will achieve this by providing continuous segregated cycle lanes alongside improved walking and wheeling facilities, including two CYCLOPS junctions and two new pedestrian crossings, and improved public realm.

The scheme has also received funding from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund.

Salford 

Irwell St

This scheme will link Trinity Way to New Bailey and provide connections to the wider City Centre Bee Network – including protected cycleways and signal-controlled crossings.

Oldfield Road 

This will provide protected cycle lanes from Chapel Street towards Regent Road. A CYCLOPS junction will be provided where Oldfield Road meets Liverpool Street to link with segregated cycle lanes to and from Manchester city centre, improving facilities for those walking, wheeling or cycling in the local area.