BOLTON has seen a huge increase in people getting on their bikes during lockdown ­— as a consultation into controversial segregated cycle lanes gets underway.

Information from TfGM' son-street sensor technology shows that the number of cycle journeys made on Chorley New Road has increased by 167 per cent during lockdown.

It is one of ten locations throughout Greater Manchester where cycling levels have increased hugely since the pandemic began in March of last year.

And a Greater Manchester Covid-19 recovery survey has found almost half of respondents want to keep on walking and cycling more often once the pandemic is over after positive experiences on bike and foot during lockdown.

Greater Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner, Chris Boardman, said: “It’s fantastic that half of people living in Greater Manchester have said they plan to travel more on foot or by bike post-Covid. Many have tried it during lockdown and they’ve decided it’s a daily habit that they want to keep. We intend to make sure they have the safe space to do it.

Bolton Council is currently running a consultation on segregated cycle lanes in the borough, similar to that which in place on Chorley New Road.

The design of the cycling lanes have divided opinion among residents and road users.

The lanes have attracted hundreds of complaints, covering issues such as safety, congestion and being an eye sore.

Earlier this month Bolton Council halted the scheme to create more segregated cycle lanes.

To take part visit https://chorleynewroad.commonplace.is/