Northamptonshire County Council has announced the first set of measures to establish temporary and permanent cycle and walking schemes in light of changes to lockdown.
The council was recently awarded indicative funding of £351,000 by the UK government from the Emergency Active Travel Fund.
This first block of money is to be used for temporary ‘quick win’ measures to encourage people to cycle and walk rather than use public transport.
The idea is to reduce the pressure on public transport, the capacity on which is restricted owing to social distancing guidance.
The aim is also to encourage a long-term legacy of active travel.
Initial projects include the creation of additional road space for cyclists and pedestrians, with the first scheme being implemented in Kettering from June 27 working closely with the Borough Council.
Other options being considered include temporary traffic measures or restrictions to prioritise cyclists and pedestrians in Daventry, Northampton and a number of schemes in Kettering
Information for cyclists on journey times to key destinations is currently being shown on variable message signs in Northampton and Kettering.
The council will also accelerate the installation of four new digital cycle counters in Northampton; upgrade and extend bus and active travel lanes to improve safety, including the introduction of enforcement cameras; and make existing routes safer and more attractive for cyclists.
Cllr Jason Smithers, county council cabinet member for highways and place, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to progress these quick win proposals so promptly as they will make a big difference to people who are making their journeys on foot or by bike.
“We’ve all noticed how many more people are cycling since lockdown has started to be eased, so it makes sense that we step in and help facilitate this as much as possible.
“Travelling on foot or bike has widespread benefits in terms of wellbeing and also in being kind to the environment by reducing traffic congestion and pollution.”
Work is also continuing in identifying medium-term to long-term cycling and walking projects.
The council will then draw up a list of schemes that can be taken forward with the possibility of a total of £1.7m government funding being available via the Emergency Active Travel Fund for all of the schemes.
Read more from CiTTi
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/manchester-submits-cycling-and-walking-bids/
https://www.cittimagazine.co.uk/coventry-announces-active-travel-schemes/
