Cycle route opening spells end of roadworks 'chaos'

Two major cycle schemes for Manchester have been completed after four years of roadworks.

The Chorlton to Manchester Cycleway and the Deansgate and Whitworth Street West Active Travel Scheme projects have been in progress since 2023, with the aim to get more people to cycle and walk.

But they were marrred by controversy due to roadworks and the "chaotic" traffic disruption which followed.

Manchester City Council said there was now an uninterrupted 6.5km long cycleway from the south of Manchester into the city.

The council added that since the beginning of the work, the number of people cycling through Chorlton have increased by 85%, and walking has gone up by 38%.

The projects were carried out in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester.

They were part funded by the Mayor's Challenge Fund, the Active Travel Fund, and Active Travel England.

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, said: "When the infrastructure is put in place, it can act as the key which unlocks people's ability to get on a bike and choose cycling.

"By re-shaping our transport network we are showing that positive interventions do have the power to change people's behaviour.

"This ultimately helps people lead healthier lives, creating healthier communities, and contributes to the wider fight against climate change across Greater Manchester."

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