‘Awkward’ cycle path plagued by petitions and cone thieves finally gets £2m makeover

A controversial and ‘inconvenient’ cycle path, plagued by petitions and cone thieves, is to get a £2m makeover.

In 2023, police were called to the makeshift path on the A56 Chester Road in Stretford after a thief stole more than 600 cones in an attempt to steal Trafford’s Conservative leader Nathan Evans said he ‘completely understood’.

The temporary cycleway was installed at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in a bid to “promote walking, cycling and biking for shorter journeys”, Trafford City Council said. But the plan has proven unpopular with some – a petition to scrap it attracted almost 3,000 signatures in 2021.

READ MORE: “I’d dropkick every cone”: Controversial cycle path on main road axed

Last year, Cllr Evans said the cycle lanes had been built in a “clumsy” way, adding: “There’s clearly a problem but the way they treat cyclists is utterly ridiculous. Maybe we can’t afford (proper cycle lanes) but if we’re going to do it, let’s do it properly.”

Work is now beginning on an upgrade of the temporary lane. The £2 million project is expected to last 14 weeks and the council says walkers and cyclists will benefit from improved paths, cycleways and crossings.

This has been made possible after the council received £2.07 million from the Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund (MCF), which will help build the temporary cone-shaped cycle path.

Following final approval from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Trafford City Council plans to use the funds to develop the “North Active Travel Corridor” over the next three and a half months.

The full route runs through the district from Junction 7 of the M60, along Talbot Road and on to Salford and Manchester via the A56 Old Chester Road to Cornbrook Junction.

Residents should expect road closures and roadworks, with the council opting to minimise disruption with contractors working section by section on the road. Construction is expected to begin along the new Cyclops junction at the Chester Road and Talbot Road intersection – from Christie Road via the southbound lane.

The council has ensured that comprehensive traffic management plans have been developed, and the work will therefore take place outside peak hours.

The development, which started yesterday (15 July), is part of Trafford Council’s ambitious “walking, wheeling and cycling strategy” which aims to change the way people travel. The project hopes that 90% of journeys under 1 mile will be made on foot or by wheeled device such as a bike, scooter or wheelchair, in the hope of making Trafford a greener place.

Councillor Aidan Williams, Executive Member for Climate Change, said: “We are committed to improving our highways for all road users, including motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. This new funding will enable us to create a safer cycling and walking route along the A56, which will benefit everyone who uses this major road.”

He added: “By connecting to the junctions that are already nearing completion, we are providing a more complete, safer cycle route for those who wish to travel through our borough in this way.”

The upgrade will also improve safety for people using the route, with plans to include segregated cycle lanes and junctions that integrate with neighbouring developments and residential areas. The route will be used to encourage people to walk, cycle and race around the area.

Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “It is great to see Trafford City Council moving forward with the temporary scheme initially introduced during the pandemic.

“These improvements to this section of the A56 complement the ongoing redevelopment of Stretford town centre,” she continued, adding: “The whole area is being made safer, quieter and more pleasant by investing in a better shared public realm, making it easier to walk or cycle.”