Walking and cycling improvements on the cards for Staffordshire
Highways improvements to make it easier for walking and cycling are set to go ahead in the new year.
A fund of £1.8 million from the Government’s Active Travel Fund will help to deliver Staffordshire County Council’s local cycling and walking infrastructure plan.
The improvements will help encourage more people to travel on foot or bike for shorter journeys, while helping improve people’s health.
The authority is looking to introduce permanent schemes in Stafford and Cannock, as well as Newcastle-under-Lyme and Burton upon Trent.
Improvements could also include new segregated cycle lanes, wider and more even pavements, the narrowing of some wider roads and additional crossing facilities.
More cycle parking, priority for cyclists at junctions and a new 20mph zone could also be considered.
Wellbeing
Work could start in early 2021 following consultation and discussions with local communities, businesses and partners who will have their say on the proposals.
David Williams, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “As a county council, we are keen to see more people cycling and walking, both for leisure and education and also for getting to and from work.
“Not only is this great for people’s health and wellbeing through increased exercise, but it also helps combat climate change, reduces congestion on our roads and helps limit air pollution.
"We have already seen an increase in the number of people using more active travel since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and we want to see this continue.
“Over the last five years we have invested over £7 million in walking and cycling routes across the county and this latest wave of investment will help build on that success.
"It’s important we get the schemes right and discussions with local communities and everyone involved will be key.”
