How your joined-up thinking can help ease the way for walkers and cyclists

Interactive map offers chance to suggest routes and highlight eco-friendly changes

PEOPLE can now use an interactive map to suggest ways to improve cycling and walking routes in parts of Leicestershire.

Through a website, residents can pinpoint on a map the changes they would like to see – such as new cycle lanes, roundabouts or walking trails - and attach their ideas to make cycling and walking to travel easier.

Cycle “superhighways”, nominated lanes with priority for cyclists, are included in Leicestershire County Council’s proposals to help to meet carbon reduction goals.

Public engagement, which has now begun, is inviting people’s comments and feedback in shaping the plans for Loughborough and the south of Leicester, which includes Blaby, Oadby and Wigston.

Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, the council’s cabinet member for highways, transportation and flooding, said: “I’d encourage residents to have their say.

“These plans will shape local walking and cycle routes for the future, so it’s important as many people as possible get involved.

“These exciting plans can help us all travel more easily and sustainably, so the more local input we can get in shaping them, the better.

“Your feedback will be welcomed, so I’d urge as many residents as possible to get involved.”

The engagement will run until February 20. Feedback is being sought from a wide range of people and organisations, including residents, businesses, visitors and councillors.

Following the adoption of the Cycling and Walking Strategy and Action Plan last year, the council is now developing these plans for several areas of the county.

They set out the aims and priorities for improvement in each of the areas to create attractive, joined-up cycling and walking networks.

The areas of Loughborough and the south of Leicester are the first two areas of focus for development.

You can access the interactive map at: