A majority of Greater Manchester residents want to 'shift' money from 'road building to fund walking, wheeling and cycling', a new survey says.

Research of 1,300 Mancunians said 55 percent of surveyed residents 'support shifting investment from road-building schemes to fund walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport', while 16 percent opposed making the move. The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (WWCT), formerly Sustrans, data also said less than half of residents (42 percent) think it's safe to cycle in their neighbourhood, although 67 percent reckon it's safe to walk around their area.

One of those who doesn't feel comfortable cycling on Greater Manchester's roads is Damian France, from Bolton. He uses a wheelchair, and could quickly get around using a handcycle — but doesn't feel safe enough.

He said: "Over the past few years there's been a noticeable change in opportunities to blend wheeling with public transport. These, complemented by positive staff attitudes, have made me more confident to travel around independently.

"Uneven roads and pavements make getting around very difficult. When combined with pavement parking and bin collection day it becomes more like a slalom course. These obstacles mean I have to plan my journeys very carefully and or take longer routes.

"Similarly, using my hand-cycle has proved too risky on the roads so I would like to see more segregated cycle paths. For now, I have to be content to go off road for my cardio exercise.

"Overall though things are looking up for integrated accessible travel in Greater Manchester."

Damian France has said integrated accessible travel in Greater Manchester is 'looking up' (Image by Chris Foster)

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The pro-walking and cycling group is now calling on Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to make it possible for 'every child can walk, wheel and cycle to school' and put 'high quality' active travel infrastructure within 400m of 95 percent of Mancs.

WWCT said TfGM should introduce more school streets, improved cycling facilities and crossing points near the classroom to encourage children to walk or cycle. School streets were introduced to Greater Manchester a few years ago, closing roads near schools off to motor traffic, so students reach the gates on foot or by bike.

Steve Marsland, the headteacher of Denton's Russell Scott Primary School, is a big supporter of the scheme: "Parents are really enthusiastic and have told us that they talk more and spot things walking to school that they would never come across whilst driving. We started to change the culture of the school run by advising parents and carers about the benefits of active travel and the right of all children to clean air."

Dr Richard Nickson, TfGM's active travel network director, said: "Walking and cycling are the 'glue' that connects our public transport system. 

"It's wonderful to see that the Index shows strong public support for sustainable transport and improved neighbourhoods, reinforcing Greater Manchester's commitment to the Bee Network: an affordable, safe, accessible and frequent public transport network with walking and cycling embedded."

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