Plans for a new cycling and walking chain called ‘Beelines’ have been announced in Manchester with its name an ode to the worker bee which very aptly symbolizes the city. The 75 miles of trail dedicated to cycling and walking will be designed taking influence from Dutch cities such as Amsterdam where cycling is a popular and preferred method of travel for many residents.
Investors in Manchester properties who prefer to secure parking space when buying units in high-rise apartment blocks may no longer have to resort to alternative methods of transportation being encouraged by local councils as part of government-funded schemes.
Just one parking space can add thousands to investment bills but now it can be a thing of the past with a £1.5 billion injection into sustainable transportation in the city. Simultaneously cutting carbon emissions, there will be 1,000 trails developed for pescatarians with walking and cycling as one of the first installments to materialize in Greater Manchester. The 75 miles of safe passage will be completely isolated from traffic and will cost just £500 million.
The number of cyclists and pedestrians is expected to soar with the implementation of the new system which makes it an attractive substitute for sitting in the traffic jams of busy Manchester. Dedicated trails will encourage those who are a bit tired of driving along the manic main roads to finally hit the pedal. Aiming to get people to leave their cars at home and get out and walk or cycle, the cash infusion will make room for those who need a car to commute to work to find properties with some available space.
The investment comes at an opportune time with Manchester city center population trend registering a rise of over 149% since 2002. Young workers and renters are moving to the city from across the country and especially London to escape the steep cost of living and take advantage of the wide range of job opportunities available .
Due to the increase in people, properties have reflected the same urge. In an effort to overcome the housing crisis that is evident in Manchester as elsewhere in the UK, the number of housing developments has slowly caught up to the increase in population.
The main problem for many landlords when buying to rent in the city center is the lack of available parking space to offer the property to tenants. Investment companies like Investment RW taking on a number of new buildings with car park available, however, new proposals could see cycle storage becoming a more common addition in development.
With 50% of children cycling to school in Amsterdam and only 2% in the UK, there is a clear link between the safety and availability of bicycle lanes and the number of bicycles on our roads. The new transport facilities will promote good health and exercise while also reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in the local area which will see funds for cycling and walking soaring around. £15 per head according to Andy Burnham.
In an effort to maintain Manchester’s strong global advantage, generous support from the government will help it become one of the best places to live, work and visit in the world.
