PEOPLE in Bolton want more protected bike lanes, the UK’s biggest assessment of cycling in cities has revealed.

The Bike Life report, commissioned every two years by Sustrans and Transport for Greater Manchester, surveyed 1,100 people throughout the city region, including Bolton, revealing that 77 per cent of people want more protected bike routes to make cycling safer, and 69 per cent say more cycling would make their city a better place to live and work, even if that means less space for cars.

Only 27 per cent of residents interviewed think cycling safety in Greater Manchester is good and 65 per cent would cycle more if on-road cycle routes were physically separated from traffic.

The results also show that 31 per cent of residents don’t currently ride a bike, but would like to and 76 per cent support more investment in cycling.

Rosslyn Colderley, Sustrans director for England North, said. “The Bike Life report is the voice of people throughout Greater Manchester. It clearly shows that most people living in the city region think cycling is a good thing and are far more supportive of bold and ambitious plans for cycling than decision-makers often think.

“This is an exciting time for the city region as we look at new approaches to transport, health and environment.

“Creating streets designed for people, not motor vehicles, to help more people walk or cycle is the key to keeping Greater Manchester moving and improving our health and economic vitality.”

Chris Boardman, British Cycling Policy adviser and now Greater Manchester's first Cycling and Walking Commissioner, said: “Evidence has shown us time and again that the world’s happiest and healthiest cities all have high cycling rates in common. It’s no coincidence, cycling really is the silver bullet.

“More people using bikes instead of cars would address so many of the problems our urban centres face – health, congestion, air quality, social inclusion…you name it, more cycling will have a positive impact on it."