Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)
Consultation has concluded
What is the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)?
The LCWIP will be BCP Council's long-term strategic plan setting out the cycling and walking vision and the infrastructure that is required across the area. Public consultation on BCP Council’s LCWIP is launching on 1 November and will run until 12 December 2021.
To take part in the public consultation, please read the plan and fill in a survey(External link).
Why are we doing this?
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 the region including cycle parking and potential ‘liveable neighbourhoods’. It builds on and connects with existing cycle and walking provision, showcasing the council’s ongoing, ambitious commitment to active travel and the critical role it plays in reducing local traffic congestion and carbon emissions. 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.
Why is the LCWIP important?
In 2020 government published Gear Change(External link), setting out bold plans to see a step-change in cycling and walking across England. Government expects councils to prepare an LCWIP to be eligible for future transport funding. Central government has explicitly stated that local authorities with LCWIPs will be better positioned to secure future funding for sustainable transport.
What will the LCWIP include?
The LCWIP will set out:
- Plans of the proposed network of the most important cycling and walking routes for BCP;
- A programme of infrastructure improvements; and
- A clear report, explaining the evidence and the work done to develop the LCWIP.
What will the LCWIP not include?
- Specific designs for proposed interventions;
- Detailed financial spending programmes; and
- Detailed timeframes.
These will be developed as future funding opportunities become available.
What are the benefits of delivering the LCWIP proposals?
- Supporting the economy, by providing safe alternative travel options and addressing congestion;
- Enabling short journeys by making cycling and walking safer, more convenient and accessible to all;
- Improving health and quality of life, by enabling people to be more active in everyday life;
- Tackling climate change and improving air quality;
- Creating safer streets and more pleasant neighbourhoods;
- Enhancing the tourism offer of the area; and
- Preserving and enhancing the area's world-class natural environment.
Why are we consulting?
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 people 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.
To have your say, please read the plan and fill in a survey(External link).
When and where will the changes be?
The LCWIP is a long-term framework which will guide future investment in walking and cycling infrastructure over the next 3 to 20 years (after the Transforming Cities Fund schemes are delivered). Each proposed improvement would be subject to consultation and engagement on the detailed design, to consider the most suitable solution for each area. The Council will balance the needs of all users and all forms of transport. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.