NEW protected cycle tracks and crossings are to be created in Bolton as part of new 'beeways'.

Fifty-five miles of cycling and walking routes, and 140 new crossings will be created throughout Greater Manchester by the end of next year.

Thirty-two projects will be delivered, including the creation of protected cycle tracks and crossings in Bolton, a £1.3 million upgrade of the Rochdale canal bridge and a “world-class” beeway between Manchester and Chorlton costing £1.8 million.

Mr Burnham said: “It’s been years in the making, but GM’s cycling and walking revolution is finally starting. To build the capability and scheme pipeline to deliver a new way of travel for a whole city region has taken us two years, but we are now ready to begin delivery.

“By next summer we will begin to see the fruits of our labour and the region’s residents will finally have the chance to travel to shops and schools easily and safely without using a car.

“Today heralds the real start of our cycling and walking story, coincidently aligning with bike to school week.”

Greater Manchester’s walking and cycling commissioner and former Olympian Chris Boardman said: “It will create better places to live and work, give those with a car the option to leave it at home and for those who don’t, it will provide them with a reliable, safe and pleasant network to walk or ride to shops, schools and workplaces.

“This is the beginning of Greater Manchester’s 21st century transport revolution.”