Have your say on plans for new cycle paths | |
26 January 2021New dedicated cycling infrastructure is proposed at Frodsham, Helsby, Hartford, Weaverham and Northwich. Cheshire West and Chester Council is hoping to hear from as many people as possible on the proposals. The three schemes are:
The questionnaire asks if the proposed routes will be welcomed and encourages comments on the plans. Current levels of cycling are asked about and if the proposed paths would encourage increased cycling. Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport said: “Cycling saw a huge rise in participation last year. Schemes like these are designed to make cycling safer and encourage more people to consider this as an option for both leisure and commuting”. Cycling and walking also help address some of the most challenging issues that we face as a society including; improving air quality, combatting climate change, improving health and wellbeing, addressing inequalities and tackling traffic congestion. By improving physical activities there is a longer-term health benefit. Added Councillor Shore: “We are now asking for help from the local communities living close to these proposed new routes. We want to ensure the schemes meet the requirements for those directly affected before any work starts. We will be talking with local community representatives, there will be information posted to households on the routes and an online questionnaire. “The newly formed independent Sustainable Transport Taskforce will also be invited to review our plans.” The Council was awarded £611,800 grant award from ‘Tranche 2’ of the Government’s Emergency Active Travel Fund, to deliver an attractive alternative to the car for travelling on shorter journeys whilst also supporting efforts to improve public health. The new funding will help to deliver a small number of schemes that were identified by the Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan adopted last year. The Plan is part of a 10-year strategy. The funds will also provide additional cycle training opportunities, the development and promotion of a Park & Cycle offer and the exploration of innovative digital applications (initially aimed at school trips) to complement the wider active travel programme. | |
