Should’ve titled that post Hazel Grove Link, singular. It turns out, the upgraded path through Torkington Park is still the only part of the Bee Network’s most southeasterly project that Stockport Council has funding for.
Infrastructure
Stockport Council has begun work on its most south-easterly Bee Network walking and cycling project. Originally announced towards the end of 2018, the “Hazel Grove Links” scheme seeks to modestly improve existing links with path widening, a crossing and filter points.
One of the three-stand cycle racks at Tesco’s High Peak Whaley Bridge superstore recently disappeared, replaced by a random electrical cabinet, halving the store’s already lacklustre cycle parking overnight and just a few years after it was put back to normal.
Stockport Council has caused dismay amongst cycling and accessibility advocates with a draft “access controls policy” for its off road paths which seeks to retain wiggle room to continue installing discriminatory barriers — against both government guidance and equality legislation.
Sustrans and Tameside Council have presented plans for the Trans Pennine Trail to follow a brand new route between Godley and Hattersley, finally cutting out the completely unsuitable A560 Mottram Old Road.
Transport for Greater Manchester has confirmed the roll-out map for the first 1,500 yellow “Bee Network Bikes”, with more than 200 docking stations across the cycle hire zone and app-based payment.
A whole range of proposals forming a new Bee Network active travel route between Romiley and Stockport are included in a consultation that ends in just a few days, potentially benefitting a big area of south east Greater Manchester around the River Goyt.
A series of lanes on the rural fringes of Stockport have recently (and very quietly) received new “Quiet Lane” signage, but is a sign enough to make a quiet lane?
Community group Buxton Town Team have drafted the first sustainable travel plan for the High Peak spa town, including proposed actions on accessibility and movement through the town by walking, cycling, cars and goods vehicles.
The Peak District National Park Authority has launched a consultation for input into its next National Park Management Plan — an important chance to get active travel, rights of way and cycling high on its agenda of work.