16th June 2026
By Perplexed Of Romiley
Image – Manchester Evening News
Comment on Reddit – “If you haven’t seen this cycle lane yet it‘s about 50m long, then crosses the main road where the pedestrian path and cycle lane cross over each other. Then you have to cross two dangerous junctions with no pedestrian crossing before getting to Romiley Park. Then you exit the other side of the park and have to cross a pedestrian crossing again before getting back on the cycle lane.
I thought they were supposed to build raised tables across the road junctions but haven’t really bothered and mostly just painted on speed ramps.
Romiley markets were on yesterday and they had stalls completely blocking the new cycle lane too. The whole thing is mental”.
Residents have reacted with a mixture of confusion, amusement and mild disbelief following reports that local Liberal Democrats are planning a celebration of Romiley’s new cycle route.
The event is expected to highlight improvements designed to encourage walking and cycling around the village. These include new crossings, traffic-calming measures and links between residential areas and the precinct.
Unfortunately for organisers, many residents appear to have spent the past few months celebrating the scheme in a rather different fashion: by complaining about it.
One local resident told the Gazette: “I haven’t seen anyone using it.”
Political analysts describe the situation as a classic example of the gulf that can sometimes emerge between campaign literature and everyday conversations in the queue at the butcher’s.
Supporters of the scheme argue that such infrastructure is intended for future users, families and less confident cyclists rather than existing regular riders. Critics counter that a cycle lane which requires a detailed briefing note to understand may not represent the triumph being advertised.
Meanwhile, local residents remain fascinated by the prospect of a celebration itself.
One observer commented: “Normally politicians hold parties after solving a problem. This may be the first time one has been organised to commemorate the installation of a crossing.”
At the time of going to press, no bicycles had yet confirmed attendance.
Comment on Reddit – “The more I think about it …say you’re on the main road coming from Bredbury end and you get to the bit by Sainsbury’s, you’d have to prob wait to turn right with oncoming traffic, then get on the cycle path. You then have to steer round the 2 x telephone/power box things ( if another cyclist is coming you’d have to stop!). Then you have to stop to press the crossing button and wait for the lights to change so you can cross the road and return on your journey just 50 yards further”.
