FACILITIES for Atherton cyclists wishing to travel by trains and trams in Greater Manchester look set to improve.

Atherton station is one of 18 stations around the county to benefit from the introduction of a bike park. And bikes will travel free on journeys between any heavy rail station within Greater Manchester.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority is keen to encourage more cyclists to use public transport, especially during National Bike Week which starts on Saturday.

Chair of the Authority, Councillor Joe Clark said: "The authority welcomes any initiatives which help encourage people out of cars and into other forms of transport. Cyclists help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, and we are keen to increase the number of people who travel to rail stations and Metrolink stations by bike.

In a bid to get more cars off the road, authorities are keen to both improve already existing facilities,introducing new bike racks and cycle lanes around the county.

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