The journey is continuing as Hertsmere Borough Council works in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council to make it easier, safer and more enjoyable to travel on foot and by bicycle.
An initial public consultation was held last year to help to shape a new Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Hertsmere, with all feedback considered and highly valuable ahead of the new draft LCWIP being put together.
Local people, schools, community groups and businesses had the opportunity, right at the start of the process, to identify important local routes for people walking, using a wheelchair or riding a bike to go to work, school or to carry out other everyday trips in the borough, as well as what barriers people face when walking or cycling.
A LCWIP is a 10-year strategic approach to cycling and walking enhancements, and forms part of the Government’s strategy to increase the number of trips made on foot or by cycle. These plans aim to make active travel the best option for short journeys by highlighting local routes that require improvements, which could include creating safer pavements, new or improved crossings, junction upgrades and traffic-calming measures. It also helps to maximise the impact of projects, by identifying local cycling and walking improvements that may also benefit other modes of active travel.
Over the past year, we have refined the draft walking and cycling networks plan using public feedback and on-the-ground audits of key routes.
Whilst Hertsmere develops its Local Plan, the next stage of public consultation for walking and cycling improvements is on hold to ensure that routes identified align to the updated plan. Once this work is complete, any updated proposals for each of the four towns will be published on the Hertsmere LCWIP website, alongside a survey for residents to share their views.
Councillor Nik Oakley, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “Thank you to everybody who gave their views on walking and cycling in Hertsmere as part of the initial consultation last year. All of these contributions were important in compiling the final draft walking and cycling infrastructure plan, which we will consult on again in the future.
"Our aim is to make sustainable travel an easy and convenient choice for people living, working and visiting Hertsmere. The benefits of sustainable modes of transport are well documented and it’s important that we hear from residents of all ages and businesses of all sizes, in order to provide the best solutions possible.
“Improving walking and cycling routes locally will not only create a healthier Hertsmere, but a cleaner greener borough too."
Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council, commented: “Our ambition is to make sustainable travel the natural, easy choice for everyone living, working, and visiting Hertfordshire, including across Hertsmere. Whether it’s walking, cycling, or using public transport, the benefits of greener travel, for our health, our environment, and our communities, are clear and compelling. The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan is critical to that, but to be effective it needs to line up with the borough's Local Plan.
"The LCWIP will direct future efforts to improve walking and cycling routes. We're coordinating with Hertsmere to ensure those routes serve existing and future communities, working together to make a better future for all.”
Please keep an eye on our channels for news on when you can have your say over the coming months.
You can find out more on the LCWIP website: hertsmere-lcwip-hertscc.hub.arcgis.com