£1.6m cycle project well underway

Couple on a woodland bike ride

A 1.6 million pound project is well underway to connect Rochdale to the surrounding area through safe, attractive cycle paths.

The Connect2 group have begun work making the towpaths of Rochdale canal the spine route to branch numerous cycle paths off, linking not only the four townships of the borough but linking the town to neighbouring areas as well.

There are currently 11 similar schemes within the North-West and a total of 79 across the UK. Connect2 aren’t putting the brakes on there though, and have a further 20 projects currently held in reserve.

Whilst providing a tranquil, relaxing and safe alternative to the A627 motorway, Connect2 aim to link Rochdale directly with the centres of Oldham, Middleton and Heywood.

A bid was won to rejuvenate the canal and tow paths of Rochdale in 2007 and work has been moving on since then. However, earlier this year in February, concern was voiced by Littleborough Civic Trust that the towpaths would be made out of a hard surface, limiting the accessibility of the revitalized towpaths.

A big believer and promoter of the scheme is Councillor Wera Hobhouse, she said: “The long term ambition is to create a meaningful route for cyclists and walkers.

“One of the main points is to let people know we are doing this so they can actually use it. It’s the people’s project so the people need to know what’s going on.

“The scheme is very much underway but some of the routes are under review as we have discovered things in the way, for example along the route to Oldham a pub is right in the middle of the path!

“Everybody is welcome to attend the meetings to see what’s going on. Not just individuals but groups as well, the more the merrier.”

Meetings are held quarterly within Rochdale with the next meeting coming together next Monday (12 July).

Emma Page from Sustrans, the parent company of Connect2,  explained what was happening on the project at the moment: “All is going to plan and the work on the towpath in Littleborough is very nearly complete.

“Running from the 24 July- 1 August is the Rochdale Canal Festival and we’ll be around there giving out information and answering any questions people may have.”