Manchester announces plans for walking and cycling improvements

A new consultation will lay out Manchester City Council’s plans for walking and cycling improvements in the city centre.

The council is aiming for 90% of all morning peak trips to the city centre to be made by foot, cycle or public transport by 2040, as set out in its City Centre Transport Strategy.

After the previous 2021 consultation, the public will once again be asked to provide their views on changes to road layout at key routes in the city.

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment said: ‘Through previous consultations we know that the public are in favour of steps to reduce the number of cars in the city centre and make it easier for people to commute in the city by cycling, walking or by public transport. 

‘Manchester has an ambitious goal of becoming zero carbon by 2038 and it is through schemes like the Active Travel Fund that we will encourage people to a long-term shift to more sustainable and green ways of travelling. 

‘I hope people will take the time to take part in this consultation and help shape a city centre which is cleaner and greener.’

Proposed alterations will take place on routes along Chester Road, Bridgewater Viaduct, Deansgate and Whitworth Street West.

The council is considering constructing new footways and traffic islands, new pedestrian crossings and crossing points and a new segregated cycleway with kerbed segregation and flexible bollards.

An upgraded junction at Deansgate, Liverpool Road and Great Bridgewater Street with pedestrian and cycle facilities has also been suggested.

New loading bays, 10mph zone signs and road markings have also been planned for Whitworth Street, Fairfield Street, Aytoun Street and London Road.

The consultation is due to begin on 23 May and run until June 19.

In related news, government funding worth £200m for new cycling and walking schemes has been announced to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo