parking, showers/clothes drying and storage hubs in developments will be supported; and
e. in the case of new residential development provide weatherproof and secure, dedicated cycle storage equivalent in the number of spaces to the anticipated population of the development.
There is great potential for increasing cycling, wheeling121 and walking in the borough. This will be fundamental in achieving Stockport's and Greater Manchester city region's overall transport vision.
The Stockport Walking and Cycling Plan122 and Stockport Active Communities Strategy123, outline the benefits of walking and cycling. This includes increasing physical exercise and improving health and wellbeing. Increased walking and cycling can also support social inclusion and independence.
If walking, wheeling and cycling are to become the natural choice for shorter journeys, then a dramatic improvement in the quality and extent of our walking and cycling infrastructure will be required.
Central to this will be the delivery of the Greater Manchester Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Proposal (Bee Network) including the Stockport Walking and Cycling Plan. This is a vision for Greater Manchester to become the first city-region in the UK to have a fully joined up walking and cycling network. Future strategies and plans will also be kept under review. The Council recognises the important role that canals, river valleys and green spaces can play in providing opportunities for high-quality, off-road walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
New and improved walking and cycling routes will be needed. These routes should address any existing barriers to walking and cycling. High-quality walking and cycling infrastructure will also be vital in increasing the use of public transport. Therefore, routes will need to be integrated with the public transport network. Walking and cycling provision will need to meet the most up-to-date guidance to provide high-quality facilities for all.
Infrastructure must also account for adapted and non-standard cycles, such as tricycles, cargo bikes, and tandems. It will also be expected to be suitable for people using mobility aids and those with prams and pushchairs. Facilities must also provide infrastructure for micro-mobility vehicles, such as e-bikes and electric scooters.
The level of standard and non-standard cycle parking provided must be in line with the council's most recently adopted parking standards. Developers must