Imagine a four-mile stretch of concrete originally designed for buses becoming one of the most beloved walking routes in an entire borough. That's exactly what's happened in Greater Manchester, where a project meant to speed up public transport has unexpectedly become a haven for pedestrians. But here's where it gets interesting: this wasn't part of the plan.
The Leigh Guided Busway, now nearly a decade old, was initially conceived to streamline the commute between Leigh in Wigan and Manchester city centre. This 13-mile route, connecting Leigh to Atherton, Tyldesley, and Ellenbrook in Salford before reaching Manchester, includes a unique feature: a five-mile kerb-guided track. This concrete pathway, with raised kerbs that guide specially equipped buses, was the first of its kind in the northwest when it launched in 2016. Funded as part of the £122 million Greater Manchester Bus Priority Package, the £68 million busway has successfully reduced travel times by bypassing the congested East Lancashire Road. Park-and-ride facilities have further encouraged drivers to leave their cars behind, easing traffic into the city centre.
While the busway’s V-coded services are well-known, its most surprising success lies elsewhere. The guided section has become a hotspot for walkers, with locals and visitors alike flocking to its dedicated walking and cycling path. Wigan councillor John Vickers highlighted this unintended benefit at a recent Bee Network committee meeting, calling the busway 'one of the most successful public transport initiatives in the last 10 to 20 years.' He noted, 'It’s a safe, quiet environment, even when buses pass by. The number of people using it for recreational walking is truly surprising.'
The route’s popularity is undeniable. Walkers can enjoy a tranquil journey through Lilford Park in Leigh, all the way to Ellenbrook and back, proving that when safe, well-designed routes are provided, people will use them. This success aligns with Greater Manchester’s broader commitment to active travel, with £328 million invested since 2018 in walking and cycling infrastructure. Over 160km of pathways are now in place, including 20km added in 2025 alone.
Dame Sarah Storey, Greater Manchester’s active travel commissioner, praised the busway as a 'fantastic facility,' even sharing her own experiences using it. 'If we build it, people will come,' she affirmed, hinting at more walking routes in the works. But here’s the controversial part: Is this dual-purpose use of infrastructure a happy accident, or should multi-functional design be the standard for future projects? And this is the part most people miss: while the busway’s walking path is thriving, it raises questions about whether other transport projects could—or should—prioritize similar dual benefits.
As Greater Manchester continues to expand its walking and cycling network, the Leigh Guided Busway stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design. But we want to hear from you: Do you think more transport projects should incorporate recreational spaces? Or should these initiatives remain separate? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
