The plan, which is being jointly developed by East Herts and Hertfordshire County Council, will enable a long-term approach to improving local cycling and walking networks and forms a vital part of national and local government strategy to increase the number of trips made on foot or by cycle. It will set out preferred routes and core zones for further development and a prioritised programme of infrastructure improvements for future investment.
The work to develop the plan will be part-funded through the government’s UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Councillor Graham McAndrew, Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability, at East Herts Council said: “The plan will focus on routes with the greatest demand and, therefore, the greatest potential to enable increases in walking and cycling. We have a beautiful district to explore by bike or on foot, and by having a joined-up plan in place, we can attract the investment needed to fund vital improvements.”
Councillor Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We want cycling and walking to be an easy and convenient choice for people using and visiting our local areas. Receiving feedback on our proposed cycling and walking plan for East Hertfordshire is key to helping develop a framework that provides a greener and safer way to travel.
“Our aim is to offer all residents a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire. By increasing access to cycling and walking, we'll help to improve health and air quality, as well as reducing traffic congestion.”
Over the next few months, the councils will review existing routes and gather information from completed local studies, followed by the development of a draft plan which will be shared with the public for feedback in 2024.
In the meantime, work to deliver a continuous shared-use cycling and pedestrian path along the eastern side of London Road and Station Road in Buntingford is progressing well. Works are on track to complete in Summer 2023 before the Buntingford First School opens in September.
