Cycling is a form of transport which does not damage the environment, is healthy and is available to most people.
We have worked with partners from other Council departments, the Health Authority, GMPTE, voluntary groups and cycling activists to prepare a Cycling Strategy (.pdf, 385Kb). An Action Plan (.pdf, 67Kb) is updated annually to coordinate efforts to promote cycling and cycling facilities.
Advice, guidance and encouragement are given via events such as National Bike Week. Improvements to make cycling safer, more secure and more enjoyable are also under way in town centres and along routes linking them to residential areas. This could include cycle lanes and 'toucan' crossings.
There are ambitious plans to link the borough's own network of cycle, foot and bridle paths into various national and regional networks.
To help you plan you route an online cycle journey planner is available on the Transport Direct Website (external link). A permit is required to cycle on towpaths owned by British Waterways they can be downloaded free from Waterscape (external link).
Health on Wheels
The 'Health on Wheels' initiative is aimed at helping adults get back into cycling in a safe, fun and healthy way. As part of the Health on Wheels initiative, Ashton Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust will be organising regular guided cycle rides and in particular encouraging people to take part who may not have been active for some time - even providing bikes and safety equipment (where possible) on the rides. The 'Health on Wheels' initiative is a partnership between Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, Cycle Projects (Manchester based cycle promotions/projects charity) and Ashton Leigh and Wigan PCT. More details can be found on the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust website (external link).
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