If you have strong views on BCP Council’s policies on cycling and walking, now is the time to put forward your comments.

Public consultation on BCP Council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) has been launched and it will run until 10 December.

The LCWIP sets out the council’s long-term vision and proposals for investment in a network of walking and cycling routes and infrastructure across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The plan contains timings for the improvements over a 15-year period and prioritised routes with the greatest potential to increase levels of walking and cycling.

Local residents, businesses and organisations are invited to view the draft LCWIP and have their say by visiting https://haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/lcwip. Hard copies are also available on request via researchandconsultation@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Cllr Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability said: “I encourage everyone to view the proposals and have their say on our region’s long-term plans to create a comprehensive and well-connected walking and cycling network. Road congestion is a major problem in our region.  A key part of our LCWIP is setting out how to increase the number of journeys people make by cycle, wheel or on foot, thus helping to reduce the number of cars on our already overstretched road network.  It is essential that we build infrastructure that encourages more sustainable travel, allowing our road network to operate within its physical capacity and free up space for those who do still want or need to use their cars.  This will also have a positive impact on emissions and air quality in the region.”

Feedback from the local community will inform the final LCWIP which is due to be published in the New Year. Central government has explicitly stated that local authorities with LCWIPs will be better positioned to secure future funding for sustainable transport.  Initial engagement on BCP Council’s LCWIP, undertaken in spring 2021, received over 3,000 views on the council’s online engagement platform. 390 people completed surveys and 796 used the interactive maps to comment on identified locations.  Feedback has been incorporated into the formal plan, which is now being published for public consultation.