'POP-up' cycle lanes will appear on some of Bolton's busiest roads as part of measures to keep people off public transport during the coronavirus.

Bolton has received a share of £3.1 million emergency Government transport funding to implement cycle lanes in Chorley New Road from the Beehive roundabout to Queens Park in both directions.

The lanes will link to the existing cycle lanes in the park.

Cycle lanes in both directions will be painted on the A6 from the Salford/Bolton boundary to the Chequerbent roundabout in Westhoughton.

Cllr Stuart Haslam, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We are pleased to receive this pot of money from the government.

“It has the potential to make a significant difference by providing a safer space for cyclists without impeding the movement of motorists along the roads.

“Hopefully this investment will improve road safety and reduce the possibility of collisions.

“The advantage of these schemes is that the work is temporary, which means that we have the flexibility to adapt and change projects as needed.”

The cycle lanes will be marked by posts rather than paint.

Similar measures are being implemented across Greater Manchester to enable thousands more journeys to made on foot or bike as part of the first phase of "emergency active travel measures".

And the money is aimed at helping provide a "viable, safe travel alternative for the third of Greater Manchester households that don’t have access to a car" and to keep public transport free for those that need it most as retail, hospitality and workplaces start to re-open.

Bolton Council has worked with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester to identify which routes will form part of "tranche one".

They are expected to be in place by October.

The Government money will complement Bolton, and the rest of Greater Manchester SafeStreetSaveLives campaign to promote safe travel through social distancing on the streets and the roads.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “ These measures will help people in every borough of Greater Manchester to take advantage of safer, healthier alternatives to public transport and the car while social distancing remains in place.

"The political consensus around prioritising active travel is becoming stronger by the day and this is emerging as one area where Greater Manchester and the whole country is set to build back better.”

Chris Boardman, Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “This emergency funding has empowered Greater Manchester leaders to take immediate action and provide safe travel options for their residents to get to and from key areas. “By creating temporary space for people to cycle and walk along major protected routes, local authorities can support those who want to do their bit to help save public transport for people who need it most. This will also ensure that the third of Greater Manchester households who don’t have access to a car are not denied the right to safe travel options.
“These are big changes to make and I commend the local authorities for mobilising so quickly and showing bravery and commitment in reallocating space. Their actions will truly make a difference to social inclusion during this emergency situation and make sure everyone has access to safe travel.”