Proposed active travel networks in Central Bedfordshire
Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) is running a consultation and want you to tell them what you think about proposed active travel networks in Central Bedfordshire.
As part of their active travel commitments, they want to make it easier and safer to walk, wheel and cycle in our towns.
During 2022 CBC ran one of their most successful ever engagements when they asked for comments on network proposals, covering the five largest areas within the authority. Having taken those comments on board, they have now published a suite of reports called Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs). These explain in detail the networks they envisage for each town, plus the principles behind their design.
The benefits extend beyond pedestrians and cyclists and the plans aim to make life easier for users of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushchairs and prams.
00. The consultation on each LCWIP runs throughout November, closing mid-December. The results of the consultation will help to shape a Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for five locations within Central Bedfordshire.
The plans relate to the following locations:
Ampthill & Flitwick
Biggleswade, Potton & Sandy
Arlesey, Fairfield, Henlow & Stotfold
Dunstable & Houghton Regis
Leighton Linslade
Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) are an initiative from Central Government asking local authorities to put together a long-term strategic approach for the walking and cycling infrastructure which is required across an area. Further work is underway to develop another LCWIP that will cover the remaining towns, villages and rural routes across Central Bedfordshire over the course of 2024. Residents will be invited to help shape this and then be formally consulted on over the course of next year.
This consultation follows a series of engagement events where the public, businesses and other local stakeholders gave their views and shared local information to help inform the proposed networks.
Central Bedfordshire Council is using a new platform called Commonplace to host this formal consultation. Using an interactive interface, it allows residents to ‘drop pins’ onto virtual maps and to comment on specific local areas.
The consultation is open for six weeks from Wednesday 1st November until Thursday 14th December. Go to www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations to have your say. Paper copies will soon be available in libraries or can be requested by calling 0300 300 8301.