12 June 2020: The first scheme proposed from the first tranche of the Government's new Emergency Active Travel Fund (see article below) has now been proposed at the Active Travel Forum.
Outline proposals are for ‘Fender Lane - Bidston to Moreton’. See below for the detail that illustrates the cross-section across each carriageway, showing widths and positioning of markings and light segregation and and an illustration of the proposed ‘floating bus stop’ arrangement at each of the 2 bus lay-bys.
2 June 2020: Wirral's share of £10 million from the Government’s new Emergency Active Travel Fund for Merseyside has the potential to transform cycling and walking in the Borough, according to a local councillor.
Nationally, a £2 billion package was announced on 9 May to support cycling and walking.
Councillor Lesley Rennie (Conservative, Wallasey Ward) said: “We’ve seen a big increase of people on bikes and walking during this pandemic.
“While we have been given an extra £800,000 to support bus services, I am delighted that we have more money to support pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements and safer junctions.
Council managers are now working on plans to introduce new measures, which also follows a campaign by Cycling UK urging more work to be done to support cycling.
In response, the Chief Executive of Wirral Council has provided the latest update on the Council's work and this is attached below.
Cllr. Rennie added: “I would urge the managers to consult with the public on proposals and to ensure we deliver schemes that have the widest possible support, from cyclists, pedestrians, road users and residents.”
£25 million of the national fund will be used for vouchers for cycle repairs, to encourage people to get their old bikes out of the shed and resume cycling.
Wirral Council has also been issued with new guidance to reallocate road space for the big increase in the numbers of cyclists and pedestrians.
More side streets could be closed to through traffic, to create low-traffic neighbourhoods and reduce rat-running while maintaining access for vehicles.
An updated national Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy will be launched in the summer, with further measures to double cycling and increase walking by 2025.
Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps added: “During this crisis, millions of people have discovered cycling - whether for exercise or as a means of safe, socially-distanced transport.
“We know cars will continue to remain vital for many, but as we look to the future we must build a better country with greener travel habits, cleaner air and healthier communities.”
