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Planning to cycle from Liverpool to Manchester (out of necessity - commute - rather than pure fun of it). I want to avoid the East Lancs Road but it looks like i'll have to use it for perhaps 5km.
Does anyone know what it's like?
Is there a cycle path along side it?
Any suggested alternative routes?
Which bit? I used to ride wigan > liverpool as a commute down the lancs.
Personally I'd not avoid the lancs - it served me well for years and footpath-cycling is generally accepted due to the scary nature of the dual cabbageway, but if you do use the road the effect of being swept along by the airflow of the traffic (that gets pretty close) can notch up your average speed by ~2-3mph.
Are you mad?
It's always like Wacky Races when I travel that road
😀 It was my regular commute for 9 years by bike and car, its a smashing road for both (unless you're timid).
TBH I only ever use the bit from the M6 to the M60 so maybe I've not seen it at its best?
Definitely not the best bit I suspect. Anywhere from the M6 to the M57 is perfectly rideable on the cycle path or pavement, in fact a lot of it is newly laid path and smooth as a babies bum. Need to look out for glass and thorns when the grass is cut but otherwise good. Further towards liverpool it's a bit hairy due to no cycle path and up to 4 lanes wide but if you place yourself well in the middle of a lane you'll have few problems other than the odd mouthful of abuse for not using the pavement. Beyond the M6 towards manc I'd say it was fine (same as M6>M57 section) until the M60 but beyond there I cant comment. Its certanily one of the longest and well-catered-for routes for cycling, never once had a problem on it until I got into the city (liverpool) where it becomes fairly squished and full of people trying to overtake and turn left, or pulling out randomly.
Cycle paths and footpaths are predominantly on the south side of the road.
I was planning to go vi aPrescott and join the east Lancs nearer Manchester (Boothtown) beefore peeling off it again onto no doubt busy roads leading into Mancester
No idea what this road is like, but I've use a dual carriageway everyday for the past 3 years. Yes the speed differential is high and you have to watch out near sliproads, but there is generally plenty of room for everyone and visibility is good. Only the odd problem with plonkers that seem to want to insist you shouldn't be on 'their' road. Wear something bright and don't ride in the gutter. When it gets dark get soem decent lights and make sure your reflectors are clean.
I've ridden different sections of the east lancs during my various commutes for quite a few years now but it's one of my least favourite parts of the ride (still doesnt stop me using it tho)
From boothstown you could go down the A572, through worsley (b5211) through monton (b5229), short section along eccles old rd (a576) down weaste lane (b5228) turn onto liverpool street and that'll take you into town. Certainly not as fast but more pleasant, its the route out of town I use if i'm not in a rush.
cheers all for the advice