Transition Bollington calls for shake up of local transport options

Transition Bollington yesterday (Wed 30 Sep) published a report outlining the changes that residents and workers of Bollington, Cheshire, want to see so they can make different choices about the way they travel.

The Bollington Transport Survey asked people how they currently use the bus, when they cycle and walk, and whether they carshare or use an electric vehicles. It asked how people would like to get around in the future if barriers to these modes of transport are removed. The report calls on Cheshire East Council to back changes that would make our town safer, healthier, more accessible, sustainable and enjoyable.

Estelle Worthington of Transition Bollington’s Mad About Power sub-group, who carried out the survey, said:

“This survey tells us that some major changes are needed to support people to make better choices about the way they travel in and around Bollington.

“People have clearly said they want to see the Bollington to Macclesfield bus service reinstated on evenings and on Sundays. There is also real appetite for trialling an in-town shuttle bus.

“We urgently need to achieve a better balance in road-use between vehicles and pedestrians and cyclists in Bollington. There are some quick wins that could make cycling and walking safer and more appealing. This is especially important as we all deal with the impact of Covid and ongoing social distancing rules.

“Positively, we’ve already seen Bollington Town Council commit to installing electric vehicle charging points in the town, but Cheshire East Council needs to be doing much more to enable the switch-over to electric vehicles and support active travel in the county.”

-        The Bollington Transport Survey goal was to better understand how people move around our town, identify the barriers to certain modes of transport and make recommendations for change in partnership with Cheshire East, Town council and other community groups. 429 people responded.

-        The survey was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, which has had a major impact on all aspects of community and economic life. The barriers and opportunities highlighted by this survey will be impacted also. The full survey report can be accessed here: https://transitionbollington.wixsite.com/tbolly/projects

-        Key report recommendations include:

Bus travel – Resume Sunday and evening services to Macclesfield. Introduce a Bollington in-town & local area electric shuttle bus for school run to primary schools and to provide access to local shops, local amenities, healthcare and businesses. Combine with an 'on-demand' service for specific pickup and destinations, using an appropriate app.

Cycling - Improve safety of cycle routes both on and off-road through measures to give cycling and walking priority. Introduce more cycle routes and - where feasible - segregated cycle lanes and cycle parking in and around the town, including a safe walking/ cycling route to Prestbury and Adlington.

Walking – Improve safety of walking routes with clear pavements, crossings and potential shared space areas. Introduce a 20mph speed limit throughout Bollington for improved traffic flow and cycle safety.

Car sharing – Develop and implement a trial of an organised car share scheme for local users.

Electric Vehicles - Rapidly introduce appropriate EV charging infrastructure in Bollington and the surrounding area. Investigate a community EV carpool scheme to increase accessibility.

-        Transition Bollington was formed in 2017 and aims to support the journey of our community to a more sustainable and resilient future. The group brings together Bollington residents to drive local grassroots community projects that promote sustainability, resilience and earth happiness in our community and local economy. Mad About Power is a sub-group of Transition Bollington. We focus on reducing the carbon footprint of all types of power. The group researches, advises, resources and educates society about methods of reducing their carbon footprint in relation to transport and energy use.