First Bee Network cycling scheme completes in Wigan

The debut project in Greater Manchester’s £137m Bee Network, the largest-ever investment in the city region’s walking and cycling network, has completed in Wigan.

The works were carried out by Wigan Council and Peel L&P to improve a stretch of the Bridgewater Canal towpath in Astley, known locally as the ‘Muddy Mile’.

This section of towpath has been completely resurfaced with improved access, and the route now becomes part of the Bridgewater Way, linking Wigan Pier through Leigh, across to Salford to Worsley, Monton, and Patricroft.

The project was funded jointly by the Bee Network fund, Wigan Council, and the Bridgewater Canal Company.

Further works are planned in Wigan, including walking and cycling routes in Leigh, Atherton, and Tyldesley. Promising to “revolutionise” the on foot and by bike experience in the area, the £14.6m project aims to link town centres, businesses, retail and public transport hubs.

It includes 24 new or upgraded crossings, 6.2 miles of segregated cycling lanes, 7.8 miles of shared road paths, 11.2 miles of shared use footway, 16 on-street mini-parks with seating, planting and bike parking, as well as improvements to the streetscape.

The bulk of the money for the Bee Network is coming from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s Challenge Fund, with the remainder coming from local contributions.

Burnham said: “Cycling and walking is part of Greater Manchester’s wider transport strategy, Our Network, my 10-year plan for an integrated, modern and accessible public transport system.

“Excellent cycling and walking links across our local neighbourhoods are vital to this vision, allowing people to walk and cycle easily and safely for shorter journeys. To see this first piece of the Bee Network in place and ready for many journeys is heartening.”

Your Comments

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Was cycling along here last weekend.. it’s a fantastic addition !

By Tony S

Great stuff. But the vast majority of that £137m is still sitting in the pot. Let’s see some spending and spades in the ground.

By Active Travel Trev

Smashing. I’ve battled through that mud a few times, it was lethal.

By Thumbs Up

Not much improvement in Wigan is there. From martland mill to appley bridge and further is full of pot-holes and mud. Surely it could be improved

By Anon

It’s all good but please cyclists don’t forget people like to walk along the canal who are deaf. It’s no good ringing your bell when it can’t be heard. The WALK ways are for everyone. PLEASE REMEMBER SOME PEOPLE ARE DEAF AND CAN’T HEAR YOUR BELL AT ALL!! Thank you

By Lisa Marie

I ride my bike to work from leigh to wigan every day along the canal from the new marina in leigh to Platt bridge but certain parts of the path are a mess & need resurfacing instead of having all the mud & gravel that gets alover you wen riding in bad weather this wud be great if it cud be sorted out

By Paul Worsnop

Since when did cyclists think about anybody else? If they had their way there would be no room for cars or pedestrians

By Dan

Dan – if motorists had their way we’d have cars parked up on the pavements and in the cycle lanes… oh wait, we already do!

By Anonymous

Cyclists are the most arrogant people on the roads and pavements. Get off your high-horses and inhale my petrol fumes

By Anonymous

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