Have your say on Tameside walking and cycling networks

A consultation has been launched to give residents their say on improvements to Tameside's walking and cycling networks.

Last week (February 18), there was a free family event during half-term at Ashton Market Square where people had the chance to view and discuss the proposals to create more, and safer, routes - as well as showcase the many opportunities for walking and cycling in the borough. 

It featured cycle tracks and bikes for all ages and abilities, a guided walk and bike ride, and a host of gazebos and stalls full of information on walking and cycling.

The Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) has given approval in principle to Tameside Council’s request for 11 schemes – including new and extended cycle lanes, new crossings and junction alterations – with an ask of £11 million.

The consultation, which is open until 6 March, seeks residents’ views on the plans, which aim to make travelling around Tameside safer, greener and more attractive. 

Other opportunities for the public to discuss the proposals have been organised for:

• Tuesday, 25 February, 1-4pm, Tameside Wellbeing Corner, Ashton Indoor Market.
• Friday, 28 February, 10am-1pm, Rutherford Suite, Hyde Town Hall.
• Tuesday, 3 March, 2-4pm, Stalybridge Civic Hall.

Attractions at Tuesday’s family event include:

• British Cycling’s ‘Ready Set Ride’ course and balance bikes.
• Cycling UK promoting bike safety and local cycling groups.
• Active Tameside’s range of bikes, circuits and games for all ages and abilities.
• Be Well Tameside will be providing Health and Wellbeing information and NHS health checks.
• Birdy’s Bikes and the Tame Valley MTB Association will lead a steady ten-mile social ride along an off-road cycle route to Daisy Nook, setting off at 12.30pm, and will also have a cycle repair stand and mountain bike route information. Book on via: https://www.letsride.co.uk/dashboard/rides/ashton-to-daisy-nook-cycling-event-social-ride/. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Tameside Council’s Operations and Greenspace team will lead a guided three-mile walk around Ashton, from 12noon, which will take in a wealth of history. Please wear comfy shoes, warm clothing and bring a brolly.
• Tameside Council’s Youth Service will provide a ‘skills trax’ course for all levels of riders.

Tameside Council Executive Leader Councillor Brenda Warrington said: “We want residents to have their say so that we can develop these exciting schemes in line with public feedback. And we not only want to provide the infrastructure but also help people gain the skills to cycle confidently and safely. The event will be fun and informative and give residents the chance to get involved, try out activities and find out more about groups and trails.”

The MCF supports The Bee Network, which is a proposal for the UK’s largest joined up cycling and walking network, to make cycling and walking the natural choice for shorter journeys across the whole of Greater Manchester.

For more information on Tameside’s proposed schemes, or to have your say, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/mcf. To request a paper copy of the consultation leaflet, email cycling@tameside.gov.uk.

Main image:

A visualisation of how the A57 Denton to Hyde could look.