Council launches public consultation on a Buckinghamshire-wide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

This ambitious plan aims to identify priorities for enhancing and expanding cycling, walking and wheeling networks across Buckinghamshire, with the overall aim of providing increased transport choices, promoting healthier lifestyles, reducing traffic congestion, and contributing to environmental sustainability.

The council has already developed local LCWIPs for Aylesbury Garden Town, Buckingham, and High Wycombe, with each recommending ways to improve walking, cycling and wheeling infrastructure in those towns. However, there is currently no comprehensive LCWIP that covers the whole Buckinghamshire Council area.

The Buckinghamshire LCWIP aims to address this by identifying key priorities for new or improved infrastructure that will connect towns and villages, making cycling, wheeling and walking safer, more accessible, and more convenient for residents and visitors alike. The council is now seeking feedback from the public to ensure that the plan meets the needs and expectations of the community.

Steven Broadbent, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

"We are committed to creating a more sustainable and connected Buckinghamshire. Working with partners, we have delivered several new walking, cycling and wheeling projects in recent years. The Buckinghamshire LCWIP will help us to continue to do this, setting out a network-based plan for providing high-quality infrastructure that encourages more people to choose walking, cycling and wheeling for their everyday journeys.

"The LCWIP has so far been shaped by engagement with Councillors and Community Boards, which has helped to us to identify where new and improved infrastructure may be most needed. However, we value the input of our residents, visitors and stakeholders in shaping this plan. Your feedback will help us identify priority areas, understand local needs and deliver improvements that make a real difference to our communities.

"The delivery of improvements will require us to secure external funding. The Buckinghamshire LCWIP will support applications for funding, guide future investment and help to develop schemes that will all be subject to further development and public consultation as they are taken forward and as funding becomes available."

Key objectives of the Buckinghamshire LCWIP:

• Improving the attractiveness of walking, cycling and wheeling, with a network that links key destinations such as schools, workplaces, shops, public transport and leisure facilities.
• Giving people alternative options for travel other than by car.
• Responding to climate change and tackling emissions.
• Promoting health and wellbeing and access for all, accommodating future growth supporting local economies.

The council invites all residents, businesses, and community groups to participate in the consultation process, which will run from 2 September to 13 October 2024.

The consultation, including the printable survey and address for posting it, are available on Your Voice Bucks.

A series of in-person events will be held to discuss the LCWIP and answer questions. Details of these events can be found on the consultation webpage.

Steven Broadbent added:

"Your insights and experiences are invaluable to us. Whether you currently walk, cycle or wheel a lot or very little, or are interested in travelling more actively, we want to hear from you. Together, we can develop a plan that reflects the main priorities of Buckinghamshire residents."

Following the consultation period, all feedback will be carefully reviewed and incorporated into the final Buckinghamshire LCWIP. The finalised plan will guide future investments and developments in walking, cycling and wheeling infrastructure across Buckinghamshire.

For further details about the LCWIP consultation or to request alternative formats of the consultation materials, please email: [email protected].