Campaigners have said a plan to make changes to two major roads in Stockport lacks 'safe routes' for cyclists who are forced to take winding back streets instead.

The council has proposed new bus lanes along the A6 Wellington Road North, improved crossings and junctions, and new cycle routes along streets to the east and west of the road.

It is also looking at new crossing points and a signal junction on the A560.

Walk Ride GM – a group campaigning for active travel around Greater Manchester – said the proposals are missing protected cycle lanes for those travelling by bike.

Both roads are included in Transport for Greater Manchester's (TfGM) active travel road map – a plan to create an expanded walking and cycling network.

Proposals include changes to the A6 and the roads which run parallel to it (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Will York from Walk Ride GM said: "We are incredibly disappointed to see the proposals don't include protected space for cycling on these two key roads connecting Stockport to Hyde, to Levenshulme and Manchester.

"Cyclists are still sent down winding back streets and unlit paths instead of safe, direct routes recommended by national and regional guidance.

"Both roads are included on GMCA's Bee Active Network Vision map launched by Dame Sarah Storey in December.

"We're asking Stockport council did they not see this, or are they deliberately ignoring it?"

TfGM's Bee Active road map published in December aims to create 1170km of protected cycle lanes around Greater Manchester.

Dame Sarah Storey previously said the improved network would make active travel "the natural choice" for short journeys around the region.

A full map showing the proposed changes (Image - Stockport Council / TfGM)

Stockport council said it has listened to the comments from Walk Ride GM, but defended its plans for the roads.

A spokesperson from the town hall said: "These proposals provide safe routes for cyclists and allow the council to continue to prioritise bus journeys along both the A6 and the A560, which will be important in the future when bus franchising is rolled out to Stockport in January 2025.

"We know how important it is for our communities to live in vibrant and safe neighbourhoods, and we are asking them to contribute to both consultations so we can ensure any scheme that is created is the right one for our residents.

"The council notes the comments made by Walk Ride GM."

A consultation about the proposals will run until March 24. Find it HERE.

It includes new 20mph speed limits for residential streets around the A6 which could become the new eastern and western cycle routes.

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