BURY residents are being asked to share their views on a huge new transport project.

Greater Manchester's Bee Network will see the creation more than 1,800 miles of connected cycle and walking routes spanning the region.

Eight areas of Bury have been marked out for new or improved road crossings for pedestrians and cyclists as part of the scheme.

These are centred around Wash Lane and Bell Lane, and are intended to make it quicker, easier and safer to cycle or walk around the town.

It is hoped the works will also reduce congestion and tackle 'rat-running' in residential streets.

Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said: “It is crucial that changes are made to improve the safety of the roads between Wash Lane and Rochdale Old Road.

“This will help people on foot and bike get to work, school and to the shops and the changes will link roads to become part of our ‘Bee Network’.”

Bury Times: The Bee Network improvements are intended to make it quicker, easier and safer to cycle and walk around Bury. Photo: Stewart Attwood.The Bee Network improvements are intended to make it quicker, easier and safer to cycle and walk around Bury. Photo: Stewart Attwood.

The proposals for Bury include:

  • A signalised crossing over Bell Lane, from St Paul’s Street and Bright Street
  • A signalised crossing over Bell Lane, between the entrance to Hoyles Park and Back Bell Lane
  • A signalised crossing over Parsonage Street, to access Cedar Street
  • Create a filter to allow access between Maxwell Street and Pine Street
  • Create a filter to allow access between Deal Street and Cedar Street
  • Create a zebra crossing over Willow Street between Maxwell Street and Poplar Street
  • Relocate the existing pedestrian crossing on Wash Lane, upgrade it to a signalised crossing and open cycle access from Pine Street
  • A signalised crossing over Rochdale Road at the junction of Pine Street South, and close this junction to motor vehicles

Another “pop-up” temporary cycle lane is being proposed to run along Bury New Road, from St Mary’s Park in Prestwich, up to the Salford City Council boundary, and continuing into Manchester city centre.

However, although this route is currently being developed, a decision is yet to be made on funding.

A further announcement on its next steps is expected in the coming days.

The improvements around Wash Lane and Bell Lane were planned before the coronavirus lockdown.

Rates of cycling and walking in Bury have exploded during the pandemic ­— with the average number of cycle journeys increasing by an average of over a third.

To share your views on the proposals visit tfgm.com/made-to-move/consultations

The consultation will end on July 27.