£18m cycling network aims to develop green strategy
CYCLISTS in West Lancashire will be receiving a new £18million network of trails that are linked together across the borough.
Currently West Lancashire has around 25 km of designated cycle routes, the majority of which are off-road.
At present there is limited coordination between all the various existing routes in the borough and therefore one of the main aims of the Green Infrastructure Strategy from West Lancashire Borough Council will be to develop a full cycle network for the borough.
The network will be based around a circular cycle route referred to as the West Lancs Wheel.
The strategy outlines the need for a network like this: “West Lancashire aspires to create a comprehensive and wide-ranging Green Infrastructure and cycling network offering safe and convenient access around the borough for people, as well as for wildlife.
“In order to achieve this there are a number of actions and measures that need to be undertaken in order to link together the existing quality green assets in West Lancashire, and to fill in any ‘gaps’.”
The section of cycling trail which will be completed first will be added to Pine Avenue, Grove Farm, Abbey Lane, Yew Tree Farm, with the final stretch running into Burscough Town Centre.
Although some of the stretches of the trail are not to be completed for many years yet, the overall network is expected to cost the council millions of pounds.
This strategy has been adapted in the hope of eventually saving the council even more in public transport and health costs which will be reduced as a benefit of residents cycling more often.
The strategy said: “The West Lancashire Highways and Transport Masterplan (October 2014) identifies that links in between settlements and further strategic connections are lacking.
“If these are implemented they would facilitate travel to work and education by cheap and sustainable means. The links would also attract visitors and leisure use, and offer health benefits to all users.”
West Lancashire Borough Council and its partners will fund the projects through the Community Infrastructure Levy, developer obligations, public and private sector funding, Lottery funding and regeneration projects.
In addition to the above, a number of alternative funding and management models may be explored in the future, such as service charges or establishment of charitable trusts.
Cycle storage facilities have been installed or improved at various locations in West Lancashire (including railway stations), and cycle hire is available at Ormskirk station via the national “Bike and Go” scheme.
The main aim is to provide a comprehensive cycle network for commuter and leisure journeys.