Work has started to install temporary pop-up cycle lanes on two key routes across the borough, to encourage more active travel.
The first scheme underway is on Chorley New Road. Cycle lanes are being installed in both directions from the Beehive roundabout to Queens Park.
The lanes will link to the park’s existing cycle lanes.
Installation of cycle lanes on the A6 Bolton Boundary with Salford to the Chequerbent Roundabout, Westhoughton in both directions has also started.
The pop-up cycle lanes will be separated from motor traffic on the road by ‘wand orcas’ - semi-permanent posts.
This will help to provide a safer option for those who have got on their bikes on the quieter roads during lockdown and wish to continue to do so with confidence.
Bolton has received a share of a £3.1m government grant awarded to Greater Manchester to boost cycling and walking.
The measures are part of the Safe Streets Save Lives campaign, Greater Manchester’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The aim of Safer Streets is to provide safe spaces for those choosing to take their journeys by foot or by bike whilst public transport has limited capacity.
In Bolton, due to the rate of coronavirus cases, additional restrictions are in force and people are being advised to use public transport for essential journeys only.
Works on both schemes is expected to finish in the next few weeks.
The effectiveness of the cycle lanes will be monitored and reviewed periodically, and the temporary schemes can also be amended as necessary.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Cllr Stuart Haslam, said: “These two schemes will support Bolton’s long-term commitment to improving our highways for all users especially in terms of safety for cyclists as well as motorists.
“We have been allocated this money to spend solely on improving the environment to support active travel.
“In the present Covid pandemic, with the emphasis that public transport should only be used for essential purposes, the need for social distancing and the fact that one-third of Bolton’s households do not have access to a car means that, for those who are able, cycling may be an attractive alternative.
“In the long-term these schemes will create safe travel options for those choosing to travel by bike and take us a step closer to ensuring that roads are safe for all users, including motorists.
“There are also additional benefits such as improved health and wellbeing. Implementing measures such as these will cause some short term disruption but every effort will be made to keep the disruption to a minimum and we would like to thank everyone for their patience while the work is carried out.”