The three Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) set out proposals for cycling and walking networks in each town, and highlight how these networks will be improved and connected to make it easier and safer to walk and cycle in the towns.
The aim of the LCWIPs is to deliver infrastructure that will enable and encourage more trips to be made on foot or by bike, and help to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and cut carbon emissions. They will also be used to inform the planning process where relevant, and future funding from the Department for Transport for active travel schemes will be linked to the walking and cycling schemes in each published plan.
Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “These ambitious cycling and walking plans set out the cycling, walking and wheeling opportunities in these three towns over the long term, so it’s important that people take this opportunity to have their say on the plans.
“Once published, these LCWIPs will be used to inform planning decisions and also will be used as the basis for further funding to enable the schemes to be constructed, which will help us to meet our Business Plan goals of decarbonising existing transport and increasing walking and cycling wherever possible.
“We know that cycling and walking can improve physical and mental health, reduce congestion, save money, improve air quality, and help to tackle climate change – and that’s why these plans are so important, and I’d encourage people to have their say.”
The council has already consulted on the draft county-wide Wiltshire LCWIPs and a Salisbury LCWIP. In the future the council intends to develop LCWIPs for Amesbury, Bradford on Avon, Calne, Corsham, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Tidworth, Warminster and Westbury.
The consultation on these three LCWIPs ends on 31 July, and once complete, all responses will be collated and considered before the LCWIPs are finalised.
To find out more, read the documents and take the online survey, people should go to: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/transport-town-cycle-networks.