Sustrans bike It
Rochdale is one of 10 local authorities chosen by Sustrans
to benefit from direct cycle promotion work in four schools. They
are all BikEDlinx schools. Cycle instructor training, after school
cycle clubs, maintenance classes, skills events, led rides and
cycle to school days are some of the activities undertaken. Many of
these are in partnership with Sustainability staff.
Why ride?
Access to the countryside is one of the key benefits of using a
bicycle in Rochdale Borough. There are few places to live which are
more than a 10 or 15 minute cycle from open space, a green corridor
or the open countryside. Even commuting routes can take you through
green spaces, without adding more than a few minutes to your
journey. The health benefits of cycling are widely recognised; the
mental and wellbeing benefits of seeing trees and countryside are a
bonus.
Key ideas
We have adopted the Greater Manchester Cycle strategy. Our
local strategy is also influenced by the nature of the borough,
which has a great deal of open space and a good bridleway network,
but few urban traffic free routes. The Rights of Way network is
seen as a key part of cycle route provision in the area, as we
consider that cycle routes should be routes for cyclists to use for
the purpose they decide on, whether that is commuting, health or
fun.
Work continues on projects to expand the urban traffic free
and/or quiet routes for cyclists.
Cycle routes
Training
The Road Safety section of Rochdale Borough Council offer
summertime safer cycling courses in each township in the borough.
Additional training for schools continues to be delivered by
external trainers Bike Right as part of BikEDlinx and other cycling
projects.
BikEDlinx
A Big Lottery funded area wide scheme in north Rochdale which
includes a secondary school and six primary schools. Its focus is
to provide a linked network of cycle and walking routes between the
schools, homes and green spaces.
Physical works will comprise improving existing routes and
creating new ones to create a coherent, practical network. Routes
will be signed and maps will be available.
The network is being promoted through cyclist training from Bike
Right, led cycle rides, and route planning with pupils.
National cycle network links to
schools
Sustrans and DfT granted £16,000 towards cycle and walk links to
Shawclough School. Implementation is complete and the routes are
well used. A second, larger bid has been sent to Sustrans in
anticipation of continued DfT funding of the scheme. Sustainability
staff manage bids, feasibility studies and implementation with
assistance from Highways and Engineering.