August 2023 update
As part of the Safer Streets project, we will be progressing with some improvements to the access points and resurfacing some parts of the route where tree roots have made the path bumpy.
The access point improvements will make the Fallowfield Loop more accessible for all, including wheelchair users, people with buggies and people who use adapted bikes – this will mean ensuring that there is a 1.5m gap at all access points on Fallowfield loop.
In a previous consultation, it was noted by residents and ward members that quad bikes and trail bikes etc. are a nuisance and demonstrate antisocial behaviour in some areas of the cycleway on a nightly basis, which is the reason that the current ‘A’ frames or access restrictions were originally installed at several access points to the route.
While they may help with this issue, they also exclude a lot of people including people on mobility scooters, people on bikes whose mobility is limited if they must dismount, people who can cycle but cannot dismount because of their disability and are effectively using their cycle as a wheelchair, people pushing prams etc.
Our design team completed an equality impact assessment to ensure our scheme is compliant with the 2010 Equality Act, which says that access must not discriminate against any abilities. We are proposing to replace existing A Frames and bollard arrangements that are problematic for users. All entrances are different and as such the solutions will be different but will follow a common theme.
We are aware that making the route accessible for all will also allow anti-social users to access the route, so as part of the Safer Streets project, additional work is underway including:
- Development of new signage on the route that includes location identification. We are currently working through options to help with identification along the route - a suggestion has been to incorporate What.Three.Words functionality so users are able to see where they are and this information can be used by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in reporting of crimes and ASB. GMP will then be able to use the intelligence to allocate resources to specific areas rather than just Fallowfield loop
- Funded bikes for GMP to use on the route. This should help officers get access to route much quicker than by foot
- GMP to use Fallowfield loop for additional mounted patrols plus training for mounted team. Additional mounted patrols will be bolstered by presence when horses are being trained to act as a deterrent for ASB/Crime.
- The GMP drone team can support the local teams through dedicated patrols and use the route for training to add additional deterrent
- Funding some additional GMP resource when works have been completed. Some funding is available for additional resources to target the Fallowfield loop once the new access points have been installed. Resurfacing is planned on two sections of the route: St Werberghs – Withington Road in Chorlton and parallel to Shillingford Road in Longsight. Work is expected to start in September, and we will work with Sustrans to minimise any disruption to users of the loop line and neighbouring properties