Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has proposed four schemes to improve cycling and walking infrastructure in the Essex city.
Improvements to the borough’s cycling network and initiatives to encourage walking will be discussed by cabinet today [13 January].
Under the plans, Prittlebrook Greenway would see new, energy-efficient LED lights installed along the entire length of the route. The work aims to provide increased safety and visibility, increasing the hours that the route can be safely used and reduce the likelihood of anti-social behaviour in the area.
It is also proposed that the borough’s cycle network is reviewed, pinpointing any barriers to active travel, with the aim of increasing healthier travel with residents. This will include a comprehensive review of how best to utilise the A13 London Road for walking and cycling.
The review will look to identify any missing links in the cycle network which could lead to an investment and action plan being drawn up to deal with these.
Furthermore, there are plans to install electric bike charging stations at key sites, additional secure bike storage units and repair stations across the borough. The council would look at designs that include ‘green’ roofs to help boost air quality and increase naturalisation in the borough.
The School Streets campaign would also be extended, initially four schools formed part of the first phase of the project. Following the positive feedback from schools, pupils, staff, parents and local residents, the council will be seeking to create new School Streets at six more schools to improve road safety in and around schools, and also improve air quality.
Funding for these schemes will come from the £741,600 Department for Transport tranche two Active Travel Fund and builds on the work carried out with the tranche one funding, that saw the School Streets created.
Cllr Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, asset management and inward investment, said: “We want to make active travel easier and the norm for our residents and visitors to help improve air quality and create a greener future, but also to help keep our residents physically well. For us to help make active travel more accessible, we must continue to invest in projects and ideas that can help make Southend an active city.
“Each of the schemes highlighted within the report will help increase participation in active travel, whether that be improving cycling lanes, providing additional cycle storage, or creating further School Streets. I look forward to discussing these proposals in full with cabinet colleagues.”
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