Have your say on cycling and walking

Cheshire residents are being urged to share their views on proposals to boost cycling and walking in Tytherington and Wilmslow.

New active travel schemes are available for public comment in a statutory consultation, which is now open and runs until 18 February. 

The council wants to hear views – for and against – on proposals for two new active travel projects – Manchester Road in Wilmslow and Handforth and Manchester Road in Tytherington. These two schemes secured the most support during the first round of consultation.

The schemes, aimed at encouraging people to cycle and walk, to help tackle climate change and improve health, could well have a detrimental impact on traffic movements and accessibility – owing to  the introduction of cycle lanes and footpaths.

If you’re a motorist, who uses these roads for access or parking, the plans could well impact on you and any objections need to be recorded.

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, said: “This latest consultation is important for shaping the next active travel schemes in the borough.

“We know that people’s travel behaviour has changed during the pandemic – and Cheshire East Council wants to lock-in and extend the benefits of more walking and cycling.

“I encourage people to engage with the online consultation and take just a few minutes to share their views on the proposals. Public feedback will help us get the proposals right. 

“We will continue to work with our town and parish councils, local communities and stakeholders to develop and refine proposals before anything is built.” 

The proposals for Manchester Road, Wilmslow and Handforth have been revised and developed following feedback from consultation last year. It will provide a connection with the walking and cycling route between Wilmslow railway station and Alderley Road and proposes a reduced speed limit. 

The proposals aim to tackle issues such as vehicles parking on the footway and cycle lanes along Manchester Road, provide safe integration between cycle facilities and bus stops, protect access to properties and improve pedestrian crossing points.

The proposals for Manchester Road, Tytherington will improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians by upgrading the current advisory cycle lanes, restricting parking on a section of the road and improving crossing points on side roads, including Badger Road and Bluebell Lane.

Subject to the outcomes of consultation, the schemes are expected to be delivered in summer 2022. 

The budget for these proposals is available since the council secured £588,000 of Department for Transport funding for a second phase of active travel projects. The schemes will provide key parts of our longer-term plans for walking and cycling networks as set out in our local walking and cycling improvement plans.

Click here for more information and to complete the online questionnaire. 

If you require a paper copy of the questionnaire, ring: 0300 123 5020.

Responses may be emailed to the council via activetravel@cheshireeast.gov.uk or mailed without charge to: Freepost RTUK-RBLY-XUBT, Active Travel, 5 First Street, Manchester M15 4GU.