Young people have their say on cycling and walking proposals

YOUNG people have had their say on proposals to create safer spaces for cycling and walking in Tameside.

Tameside Council has been consulting on three Active Travel Fund schemes and is keen to hear the views of all communities so that residents have the opportunity to help improve the schemes and their neighbourhood.

Council officers visited Tameside Youth Council to get the opinions of young people on the projects, which have been designed to improve walking and cycling connections and will support commuter and leisure journeys by introducing segregated cycle lanes.

The young people were positive about the schemes and felt that the segregation measures proposed would prevent vehicles from getting too close to cyclists and would make cyclists feel safer. They also gave their general views on what modes of transport they use and the barriers to them cycling - such as safety, bike maintenance and being unable to ride a bike - so that the Council can consider what can be done to support them.

Officers have also visited Tameside Deaf Association and will consult with the visually impaired as they aim to gather as many views as possible.

The consultation includes schemes at: Oldham Road and Newman Street, Ashton; Stockport Road, Ashton; and Guide Lane, Audenshaw.

They will make up a key part of the Bee Network, GM’s vision for an integrated public transport system, which includes cycling and walking, and will enable more people to switch to active travel for everyday journeys.

Residents across the borough have been having their say, with the six-week consultation ending on Friday 14 October. To take part, please visit:

• Oldham Road and Newman Street, Ashton - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/atfoldhamnewman
• Stockport Road, Ashton - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/atfstockportrd
• Guide Lane, Audenshaw - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/atfguidelane

Tameside Council was successful in a bid to secure Government funding for the schemes that will give people more opportunities to choose cycling and walking for their day-to-day journeys.

Executive Member for Planning, Transport and Connectivity, Cllr Jan Jackson said: “The schemes aim to make it easier, safer, fun and more attractive to travel on foot or by bike. They will also help people make walking and cycling the first choice for short journeys.

“Walking and cycling are healthier, greener, more sustainable travel options. I’d like to thank everyone who has given their feedback and there’s still time to have your say before the consultation closes at the end of Friday.”

Deputy Executive Leader Councillor Bill Fairfoull, who has responsibility for Children and Families, said: “I’d like to thank Tameside Youth Council for taking part and giving their opinions on the Active Travel Fund consultation. It’s important to get the views from all members of society so that we can ensure we’re serving the whole community.”