To consider the following petition requiring debate:

We the undersigned (637 signatories) petition the council to investigate and create with TfGM a new cycle route using the redundant rail tracks 3 and 4 between Sale Britannia Road and Trafford Bar Talbot Road.

The current transport routes from Sale to Trafford Bar capacity would be increased by creating a new dedicated cycle way using the redundant rail tracks. A new route for cyclists would ease the pressure on the A56 and the canal towpath creating a safer environment for all users including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The additional traffic created by the housing and business expansion forming part of Places For Everyone will increase the pressure on existing transport routes.

Upcycling a piece of redundant Victorian transport infrastructure which has been disused since 1963 would provide a 4.6km cycle highway. Access ramps would be needed at each of the crossing points. The North end would merge into Talbot Road. The South end could lead into Hope Road.

The project would require fencing, lighting, access ramps, management at the Old Trafford station, CCTV and other items. However, there is a firm trackbed (after 60 years of running heavy trains) and little more than a top surface would be required to provide a cycle quality route.

Please create this new cycle route.

Note: In accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme, a petition containing more than 500 signatures will be debated by the Council. The petition organiser will be given five minutes to present the petition and then it will be discussed by the Council for a maximum of 15 minutes.

Lead Petitioners, Mr Denshum, introduced the following petition which had received 519 signatures from addresses within the Borough.

“We the undersigned (637 signatories) petition the council to investigate and create with TfGM a new cycle route using the redundant rail tracks 3 and 4 between Sale Britannia Road and Trafford Bar Talbot Road. The current transport routes from Sale to Trafford Bar capacity would be increased by creating a new dedicated cycle way using the redundant rail tracks. A new route for cyclists would ease the pressure on the A56 and the canal towpath creating a safer environment for all users including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The additional traffic created by the housing and business expansion forming part of Places For Everyone will increase the pressure on existing transport routes.

Upcycling a piece of redundant Victorian transport infrastructure which has been disused since 1963 would provide a 4.6km cycle highway. Access ramps would be needed at each of the crossing points. The North end would merge into Talbot Road. The South end could lead into Hope Road. The project would require fencing, lighting, access ramps, management at the Old Trafford station, CCTV and other items. However, there is a firm trackbed (after 60 years of running heavy trains) and little more than a top surface would be required to provide a cycle quality route. Please create this new cycle route.”

In presenting the petition, Mr Denshum spoke about the issues of having multiple forms of transport and dogs using the same route. Mr Denshum believed that the old tracks three and four which ran from Britannia Road in sale to Talbot Road in Trafford Bar offered a possible option for a dedicated cycle route. Mr Denshum listed some of the challenges in creating the route which included management of Old Trafford Metrolink Station (due to the volume of users), Metrolink substations narrowing the route at points, security (particularly at night), and the route having a limited number of access points.

Mr Denshum then provided a list of advantages which included having a straight route 4.6km long, the route being a long way from cars and pollution, the route being ideal for a dedicated cycle route, and the limited number of crossing points with other user types. Mr Denshum concluded his introduction by noting Manchester’s track record of repurposing of old Victorian infrastructure for modern use and stating that this was another opportunity to do so.

Councillor Williams, Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy, welcomed Mr Denshum’s petition and the increase in public interaction. Councillor William’s spoke of the Council’s active travel strategy and confirmed that the routes proposed would be added to the programme of routes for consideration. The active transport plan was to align with the Greater Manchester Mayors Cycling Challenge and Councillor Williams encouraged Mr Denshum to be involved with the scheme. Councillor Williams then provided an update on the Councils current programmes to encourage cycling across the Borough.

Councillor Blackburn welcomed the petition and thanked the petitioners on behalf of the Conservative Group. Councillor Blackburn noted how the cycle lane on the A56 was not a popular choice due to its impact on Traffic and stated that it would be better to utilise unused rail lines, which would be safer for cyclists while having less of an impact upon other road users.

Councillor Brophy welcomed the petition and thanked the petitioners on behalf of the Liberal Democrats who had looked at the proposal and believed the route could be viable. Councillor Brophy asked for the proposal to be put forward to the Mayors challenge fund and the Bee Network.

Councillor Welton welcomed the petition and thanked the petitioners on behalf of the Green Party. The Green Party were in support of the petition and the demand within Trafford residents for additional safe cycling infrastructure which it displayed. Councillor Welton noted the scheme had potential to be part of the borough’s active transport solution, but a feasibility study was required before going ahead.

The Leader agreed with the points made by Councillor Welton about the petition scheme and confirmed that the proposed route would be put forward for consideration. The Leader agreed with Mr Denshum about his concerns around security for the route and the lack of access points. The route would be considered alongside the other schemes already identified across the area and the Leader expressed his interest in seeing the outcome of the work of Transport for Greater Manchester.