Driving walking and cycling opportunities

AN update has been given on schemes designed to improve walking and cycling across Halton.

The Government aims to double cycling in England from current rates by 2025 in a bid to reduce the number of cyclists being killed or seriously injured on the roads.

There is also an ambition to ‘reverse the decline in walking’ experienced over the last few years, a report for Halton Borough Council’s environment and urban renewal policy and performance Board said.

The Government’s request is for cycling and walking to be encouraged and become a ‘real option’ for journeys of between one and five miles.

The Liverpool City Region has developed its own Local Cycling And Walking Investment Plan (LCWIP) and the borough has worked with Merseytravel to develop schemes.

Halton has two such schemes in the top 10 list, which includes Daresbury Links and Runcorn Busway.

The report said: “Daresbury Links is in the top three and Sustrans (a charitable organisation that promotes cycling and walking) have already been commissioned to look at scheme to assess the route to ensure the optimum route is provided.

“These schemes are currently being evaluated by the Combine Authority as part of a wider Transforming Cities Fund bid.

“The LCWIP will supports a wellconnected Halton by reducing barriers to accessing employment and training, by providing safe sustainable links to current and future opportunities.

“It is expected that the introduction of the LCWIP will benefit the children and young people by improving sustainable, affordable access to places of interest whilst connecting communities.

“The LCWIP acts as enabler to Halton residents to access the variety of open spaces and parks available without the use of motorised vehicles.

“The delivery of the LCWIP will provide greater opportunity to walk or cycle those shorter journeys which are currently taken by car.

“A reduction in short car journeys will help reduce congestion and help improve air quality.”

The report was discussed at a meeting on Wednesday, June 26, after the Weekly News had gone to press.