A new map shows the first 15 cycling and walking routes set to transform Greater Manchester as part of cycling guru Chris Boardman’s £1.5bn ‘Beelines’ masterplan.

The routes, marked out by distinctive bee signs, weave across each of the region’s ten boroughs.

However Chorlton will get the lion’s share of investment with a 4.5-mile route - 3.5 miles of which is a ‘Dutch-style’ cycleway fully segregated from other traffic. It will be a similar design to the ‘flagship’ route on Oxford Road.

Due to be considered by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) next week, approval would green-light £25m from mayor Andy Burnham’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund.

A further £4m would come from the district councils and a Government grant.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) stress this is just the first tranche of investment and say all ten authorities have highlighted routes which can be completed sooner.

The Chorlton route, which has been in planning for many months, is at an advanced stage.

Transport leaders say more investment will be announced for other areas of Greater Manchester in the coming months.

It’s hoped the next list of proposed schemes will be published in the Autumn.

Click below to see the new map of the first routes in detail:

The first proposed projects include 60 new and upgraded crossings and junctions as well as 15 miles of new cycling and walking routes.

There are also six miles of completely segregated routes, mostly in Chorlton, with a further 2.5 miles across Salford, Rochdale, Wigan and Brinnington.

Olympian Chris Boardman, Greater Manchester’s cycling and walking commissioner, said: “We asked Greater Manchester’s 10 local authorities to hit the ground running and they’ve been able to turn these first proposed projects around very quickly. This is a real achievement in itself and will help us to keep up momentum on transforming the city-region into a better place to be.

“One thing we won’t compromise on is quality; we’re working closely with all 10 local authorities to ensure that every single project on this list meets a tough set of design standards. Only by doing this will we enable thousands more people to consider making more trips on foot or by bike.”

Since the first draft of the network plan was published on the Mapping GM website, there have been more than 2,000 comments from residents. A series of drop-in sessions will take place in the coming weeks.

Describing the response as ‘overwhelming’, Mr Boardman added: “It has reinforced what we already knew - this is something that the people of Greater Manchester want. We are reclaiming streets so that they work for people first – just like we’ve seen many great cities around the world do – and we are ready to reap all of the benefits that come with it. “

The first draft of the network will remain open for comments on the www.mappingGM.org.uk/beelines platform until the end of September. Comments will then be used to inform the second draft of the map which will be published later this year.

View the full interactive map of the plans here

The 15 proposed projects:

B6226 Bolton: A high quality walking and cycling route to the town centre, running parallel to the much busier Chorley Old Road. The project includes signed quiet routes, improved crossings and routes through parks and public spaces. Estimated cost: £1.5 million.

16 new and upgraded crossings and junctions in Bury: A mix of new and upgraded junctions at key locations. Estimated cost: £2.6 million.

Cycle parking facilities on the Bury Metrolink line: Covered Sheffield stands with lighting and CCTV will be installed in highly visible and accessible locations at nine stops. Estimated cost: £1.2 million.

Chorlton cycleway: A high quality, segregated cycling route between Chorlton and Manchester city centre and will also significantly enhance the facilities for people travelling on foot. With £3.9 million already secured from existing Cycle City Ambition Grant funding, this scheme will benefit from a further £9.5 million additional contribution from the Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund Estimated cost: £13.4 million.

King Street bridge refurbishment, Oldham: Complete refurbishment of an existing pedestrian and cycle bridge, providing a key link into Oldham town centre from a number of residential areas to the south. Estimated cost: £650,000.

Union Street West bridge refurbishment, Oldham: Already partially refurbished, the bride The bridge has already been the subject of a partial refurbishment. This project will see the refurbishment completed, providing a replacement bridge deck surface to ensure the best possible level of service for users. Estimated cost: £200,000.