For several year Manchester City Council has been working to deliver changes to our highway network which make it easier for people to access Active Travel.
Whether that is walking, wheeling or cycling, creating a network of safe and accessible active travel routes is key to the Council’s net-zero ambitions.
It is also aimed at improving the vitality of local neighbourhoods and making people feel healthier.
After successfully launching an active travel strategy for the city centre, the Council now wants to learn how people feel about Active Travel across Manchester.
This is why a consultation has now been launched that will help shape the future of Active Travel that will put the feelings of residents at its core. It is essential that the right strategy is put in place which represents the wishes of residents across Manchester.
The Council knows through previous engagement that barriers do exist which prevent people from engaging in Active Travel. This can range from concerns over safety, access to a cycle, or the availability of things like seating and signage, and we know this affects different groups in a variety of ways.
The consultation will run from Friday, 21 October to Friday, 2 December.
As part of this consultation the Council is aiming to learn:
- What routes or areas in Manchester should be prioritised for improvement (with the aim of making it easier to use active travel).
- What challenges people face when walking, wheeling or cycling, or what barriers are in place that would prevent a person engaging in active travel.
- What opportunities the Council could pursue to improve people’s access to active travel.
Workshops will take place in five locations across Manchester and will give residents an opportunity to comment and review the proposals in person.
An online consultation will also be running at the same time which can be found through the following link: manchester.gov.uk/consultations
An interactive map will be available through this link where residents can make recommendations for their local area.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport said: “No one knows Manchester better than its residents which is why their involvement in this consultation is so important.
“We want to put active travel at the heart of our transport strategy for years to come. It will benefit our communities by improving the health of residents, and, nothing will be more effective at addressing our net zero targets than getting more cars off the road, and helping people engage in Active Travel.
“We are also deeply committed to improving the accessibly of active travel, making sure it is open for everyone.”