AROUND 100 cyclists turned up to show their support for making cycle lanes along the A56 permanent.

More than 90 riders took to the pop-up lanes running through Trafford to show they are well supported and well used.

Organised by Ruth Hannan, the event between Gorse Hill to Dane Road proved popular with many cyclists taking to the route for the first time.

The lanes have proved controversial so far with strong feelings on both sides.

Some residents and drivers, who were stuck in queues along the main route with journey times between Sale and Timperley taking up to an hour, have expressed their concern.

Some residents worry that traffic pushed away from the A56 would end up passing their homes, leading to more congestion on the smaller routes around the borough.

Bus routes have also been affected by the pop-up lanes and bus companies, drivers, local businesses and residents previously wrote to the council to complain about them.

In response to these complaints, Cllr Stephen Adshead, the borough's environment executive member said the plan ‘had always been’ to keep the lanes temporary.

He announced a ‘major review’ of the lanes will be carried on in August ahead of schools returning in September to decide their future.

But cyclists and some councillors are calling for the lanes to become a permanent feature and a second ride along the A56 has been organised for Saturday July 25, which looks set to have an even larger attendance.

Ruth Hannan, who organised the group cycle ride, said: “With the reduction in cars, there was a clear improvement in air quality during lockdown.

“Whilst the pandemic continues to ravage the globe, the ongoing climate crisis exists – we cannot ignore this and addressing the overuse of cars (which drastically reduced during lockdown) is something that every local authority can take clear action on.

“I appreciate there will be push back from this – people don’t like change – but this is something that I hope our new Labour council will do differently to their predecessors. Be brave, be bold. Even those who complain will benefit from the reduction in cars.”

Cllr Mike Cordingley added: “The important thing for me is motorised traffic flows moothly throughout and at sensible speeds. The space makes Stretford a much more humane place and all the evidence shows that neighbourhoods designed for people are those that are experiencing growth.”