Massive investment in cycling and walking in Blackpool

The government money will be used to encourage people to use alternative forms of travel in order to live healthier lifestyles and take pressure off public transport.

It could fund schemes including widening pavements, building more protected cycle lanes, altering road junctions to make them safer and creating cycle and bus-only corridors.

The money has been allocated to Blackpool Council as its share of £250m announced nationally earlier this month to fast-track plans for new walking and cycling lanes in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Vouchers will also be available for cycle repairs to encourage people to saddle up on old bikes left languishing in sheds and garages.

Blackpool South MP Scott Benton said: “People across this country have played their part in helping to defeat coronavirus, with many playing their part by avoiding taking public transport.

“It is vitally important we continue to stay alert. These new walking and cycle lanes will help to ensure we can control the virus by avoiding overcrowding on public transport, while keeping our roads free from becoming too congested.”

Coun Don Clapham, who represents Bispham and is a keen cyclist, welcomed the additional funding.

He said: “Blackpool is an easy place for people of all ages to cycle because it is very level and the Promenade is ideal.

“But Blackpool lacks proper segregation of cyclists from traffic, and current cycle lanes have no physical boundaries such as a raised kerb to stop motorists driving and parking in desigated cycle lanes.

“This money can easily be spent on better signage, segregation and cycle lanes and where possible on areas designated just for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in the town centre.”

A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “We welcome investment that enables us to promote walking and cycling in a safe and managed way.

“We will be exploring how this funding can be best used for health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.”

Past projects have included creating cycle routes across the town, but a hire-a-bike scheme launched in 2009 was later scrapped.