Making walking and cycling easier

18 May 2020 01:41
Published by: Scott Callan

Stockport Council has been awarded a grant of up to £500,000 to help it deliver proposals to make it easier for people in the borough to walk and cycle during the coronavirus pandemic.

The current health crisis has provided a need to make it as easy as possible for residents to walk and cycle safely while also respecting the government’s social distancing guidelines.

The money has come from TfGM’s #SaferStreetsSaveLives campaign, which was launched in Greater Manchester and aims to create enhanced shared spaces for pedestrians and cyclists across the city-region.

Council officers in Stockport have been working closely with businesses and local groups to identify issues in their area.

The council will then review all the identified issues and develop solutions, which can then be delivered through the grant funding awarded.

David Meller, council cabinet Member for economy and regeneration, said: “We have been in contact with our walking and cycling groups across the borough to get their thoughts on what we can do.”

In addition to the Transport for Greater Manchester-led #SafeStreetsSaveLives campaign, the government has announced a £2 billion funding packing for walking and cycling in the UK.

Chris Boardman, cycling and walking commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “This announcement is official recognition of the major role cycling and walking will play as we emerge from this crisis.

“By creating safe streets, we give people the choice to make active journeys, taking the pressure off our public transport system and protecting our NHS – both now and in the future.

“When a third of all journeys under 1km in Greater Manchester are made by car, the lifesaving impact of this, through improved health and cleaner air, cannot be underestimated.”

Any business or individual who is aware of a footpath or road in the borough where social distancing is proving to be a challenge, should forward the details to Stockport Council.

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