NEWS RELEASE
17 May 2021
| Chance to help shape Norwich cycling and walking route plans |
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To help encourage more people to cycle and walk in and around Norwich eight existing active travel routes have been earmarked for improvements. The ambition is to make better links for people to reach the places where they live, work and study, by bike and on foot. People are being asked for their thoughts on the proposals developed by Norfolk County Council, Broadland District Council, South Norfolk Council and Norwich City Council. Matt Hayward, lead project officer said: “Our proposals are still at an early stage so any feedback is crucial in helping to shape this important project. We want to know what you think will work, and what could help people to cycle and walk more. “We’ve already seen a 40% growth in the number of people cycling and an 18% increase in the number of people walking as a mode of transport over the last 10 years in Norwich. Our plan is to build on that so please do take a look at our ideas to improve these key routes and let us know what you think. “Enabling more people to access the Greater Norwich cycling and walking network will help cut congestion, improve air quality and help combat climate change. Which are all in addition to the health and wellbeing benefits gained through regular exercise.” The eight routes, known locally as Pedalways, could see a range of improvements over the coming years including redesigned junctions to help walkers and cyclists to use them more easily, new and improved cycle lanes and footpaths, improved cycle parking, and new bridges. People will also be able to give their views on plans to improve two walking zones; one in the historic city centre, and another in the area around the UEA, hospital and research park. The feedback will be used to help shape and prioritise the initial plans, and the views given will also help to support applications for future funding. People are able to give their views on the proposals from 17 May – 28 June. To find out more and have your say visit: www.norfolk.gov.uk/activetravel ENDS Notes to editors The plans are a result of work to create a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Greater Norwich, which supports the Government’s ambition to make cycling and walking the natural choices for making short journeys in towns and cities. The work will support other projects across the city such as the Beryl Bikes, proposed infrastructure improvements through the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities and Active Travel Fund’s and behaviour change initiatives such as Pushing Ahead and AtoBetter. Initially funding for a number of the proposals could come from the Transforming Cities Programme, the Town Fund Scheme or the most recent Active Travel Fund announced by the Government. Having a range of schemes that have been developed alongside local people means that the council is in the best possible position to bid for and secure funding when it becomes available. Research has shown that switching more journeys to cycling and walking will improve health, quality of life, and benefit the environment and local productivity. Walking or cycling regularly can help to prevent and manage illnesses such as some cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression. The proposed improvements to the active travel routes for Greater Norwich include:
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