Cheshire East Council is asking residents across the borough for their views on how it can encourage more active and healthier travel choices.
The council’s vision is for a borough where walking, cycling and wheeling (non-motorised) are the preferred choices for short journeys. This can be achieved through a connected, safe and accessible network of routes that supports a healthier Cheshire East.
The council has also prepared Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) for Alsager, Handforth, Knutsford, Middlewich, Nantwich, Poynton and Sandbach. Residents and user groups are invited to say how these could be improved. Established plans already exist for Congleton, Crewe, Macclesfield and Wilmslow.
Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said: “It is very important that this council creates a transport network that offers residents a real choice to make safe, active journeys. It will help improve their own health plus the environmental health of the towns where they live.
“These plans will also help provide residents with better access to their jobs, educational places and leisure destinations. They are part of our commitment to make the borough healthier, happier and greener.”
The consultation provides a link to a brochure with options for priority walking/wheeling facilities and priority cycling routes for each of the seven towns.
Considerations for each of the plans include new and upgraded crossings, widened paths, removal of cycling barriers (e.g. gates and stiles) and the maintenance of the existing active travel network.
The council is asking for public feedback on their preferred routes and whether any adjustments could be considered. Input from a wide range of interest groups is needed including schools, colleges and their students; businesses and commuters; town and parish councils; the health sector; people with disabilities and any active travel user groups.
After the consultation closes on 31 August, the council’s transport team will look for opportunities to create a more connected network that can be a focus for investment in years to come.
The consultation opened today and can be accessed at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/consultations
