Cheshire East has given the go-ahead for a plan to develop hiking and biking trails, writes Belinda Ryan.
Local cycling and walking infrastructure plans (LCWIPs) have been developed for Crewe, Congleton, Macclesfield and Wilmslow.
They established programs to create “high quality walking and cycling routes”.
The approval of the draft LCWIP implementation plan by the road construction committee forms a basis for the future development and implementation of plans.
Richard Hibbert, head of the Council for Strategic Transportation, said, “The Department of Transportation has very strong indications that with LCWIPs in place, agencies are better able to raise funds from the government’s active travel fund.
“In my opinion, our experiences have been largely confirmed since the adoption of two LCWIPs.
“We have received two successful Active Travel Fund applications totaling approximately £ 950,000.
“The LCWIPs focus on these four cities to reflect the guidelines for preparation – which was to identify the places where you have the greatest chance of increasing cycling and walking.
“The rest of the district is covered by the district cycling strategy and the current process of creating traffic delivery schedules for each part of the district.”
He emphasized that the majority of the program was not yet funded at this point in time.
The committee heard from members of the public who were interested in the council adopting the implementation plan.
Cycle Wilmslow and Transition Wilmslow Resident Rob Sharp said: “It was encouraging to recently lead a ride on the LCWIP to Alderley Park with Cllr Suzie Akers Smith, the cycling champion.
“Some of the drivers said they wouldn’t have dared go to Alderley Park if it wasn’t for the LCWIP program.
“We now look forward to further deliberations on the Nether Alderley section and improved access to the village of Alderley from the Brook Lane and Chelford Road bypass.”
David Mayers of Macctastic, Macclesfield-based sustainability group, told the committee, “Many potential cyclists admit they are too scared of the traffic, speed and weight of our narrow, potholed streets.
“Many children, especially pedestrians, find the traffic intimidating too, so the LCWIP program is to be welcomed.
“At the moment we have not benefited as much as Wilmslow has, but these plans, which are on your document today, will be very welcome.
“Macclesfield needs these better bike facilities for many reasons – it’s congested, the air quality is very poor, there is very little active travel, so I urge you to get the implementation plan passed.”
Peter Hall of Congleton Active Travel said, “If you vote for the LCWIP, Cheshire East is well positioned to be an argument for the future as set out in the 2017 Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Strategy,” said Peter Hall of Congleton Active Travel investments made elsewhere. “
Alsager City Councilor Rod Fletcher (Lib Dem) said he felt the council missed funding for such programs from building applications.
Congleton Councilor Suzie Akers Smith (Ind), the city council’s walking and cycling champion, said, “We have never had this opportunity to transform our environment before and these documents are the first step in enabling more people to to get fit for walking and cycling. “
The committee’s vote was unanimous.
