Have your say on better cycling opportunities
THE public are being urged to share their views on a new initiative to boost cycling and walking.
Lancashire County Council (LCC) have set a target for 2028 to double the number of people cycling, increase the number of people who walk at least once a week by 10 per cent, and reduce levels of physical inactivity to below the national average.
The council wants to hear public views on its cycling and walking infrastructure plans, with proposals to join up the gaps in the existing network of footpaths and cycle routes and provide safer, direct and more convenient routes.
A plan will be produced for seven geographical areas – including Hyndburn/Rossendale.
Coun Charlie Edwards, cabinet member for highways and transport at LCC, said: “Lancashire is a great place to cycle and walk for all ages, whether for leisure or commuting.
“Our highways and public rights of way teams already do a fantastic job of maintaining the thousands of miles of roads and footways across the county.
“But it’s our ambition to make Lancashire a place where many more people can make cycling and walking part of their everyday lives.
“To achieve this, active travel needs to be a practical choice as well as a healthy and sustainable one.
“At the moment nationally, over 60 per cent of all journeys of between one and two miles are made by car. But with the right infrastructure in place, it will be easier for people to make more of their regular journeys on foot or by bike.
“We want to get views from people of different backgrounds and abilities about cycling and walking to help us make improvements which will have real benefits.”
People can help shape the council’s plans by taking part in a survey about current cycling and walking provisions.
The council will work with each district authority to ensure their input and support for the plans.
Additional design and feasibility work will be needed to take any of the proposed schemes forward.
The survey will be available online until Thursday, May 5. Visit www.lancashire.gov.uk and search for ‘Active Travel in Lancashire’.