Cycling boost for Rochdale

Woman on her way to work on a bicycle

Rochdale is to benefit from a Greater Manchester initiative to invest in cycling.

Transport for Greater Manchester and local councils have secured £4.9 million of Local Sustainable Transport Fund money as part of their Greater Manchester Commuter Cycle Project to improve cycling facilities and make cycle commuting a more realistic option.

Rochdale Borough Council will receive £116,000 funding in 2014 to install a cycle compound at Rochdale railway station which will provide enclosed, secure cycle parking and lockers suitable for storing equipment like helmets and wet weather clothing. They will serve commuter cyclists travelling shorter distances.

Alongside this, a programme of local cycle information and training will also be offered to break through barriers that currently hold people back from commuting by bike.

Cabinet Member for Partnerships Councillor Jacqueline Beswick said the investment will help encourage more people to see cycling as an affordable, convenient and environmentally friendly way of getting around. 

She said: “It will make it easier and safer for people to travel by bike and encourage more people to consider cycling as a viable alternative to car use for local journeys. 

“I welcome the funding for this project, which will create significant environmental benefits, as well as improving connectivity and providing an alternative mode of transport.

“I hope this project will encourage more people to consider cycling for local journeys.”