Better integration of walking, cycling and public transport networks needed – Rugby Lib Dems

Rugby Liberal Democrat Councillors responded to Warwickshire County Council's Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan Consultation calling for better integration of walking, cycling and public transport networks as well as mandating proper cycle and walkways into all new housing developments.

The consultation ran throughout the Summer and Warwickshire County Council are currently completing their analysis of responses.

Feedback from Rugby Liberal Democrat Councillors included:

• Existing cycle routes on roads need to be made safer to encourage more people to cycle. This includes safe off-road shared routes to secondary schools and the town centre.
  
• Where there are existing paths split between walking and cycling - better signage is needed as to whether cycling is allowed e.g. Ashlawn Road in Rugby. These routes need to be well lit with streetlights and up-lighters.
  
• The bus network needs to be integrated into cycling and walking plans to utilise people walking to train stations or town centres across Warwickshire and getting buses back from locations after walking for example with shopping. They may do this even if initially set out on a leisure walk.
  
• Cycle and walking are a key tool to help ease the pressure on residents who live in and around schools - this should be a key priority for Warwickshire County Council. All schools in Warwickshire should be mandated to have a transport plan that they submit, review and update annually.
  
• Cycle and walking routes also need to be integrated with workplaces across our boroughs and Warwickshire wide linking up with work patterns and employers who can promote cycling and walking. Routes and facilities also need to be incorporated with our medical centres and hospitals.
  
• Consultation is also required with charities and groups representing people with disabilities to ensure routes are widely assessable for all, have safe gradients and the removal of street clutter is integrated into the Infrastructure Plan.

Commenting Councillor Tim Douglas (Paddox) said:

"Rugby Borough Council has declared a climate emergency and set a goal of reducing emissions to zero. Therefore, we need to rethink our cramped road infrastructure acknowledging our hierarchy of travel and placing walking and cycling at the top. Local authorities must commit to improving and integrating the opportunities for local people to use modes of travel other than the private car."

Councillor Neil Sandison (Eastlands) added:

"Climate change is now leading to extremes in weather conditions happening more frequently, we are being held to ransom by fossil fuel producing countries and oil and gas companies with ever escalating prices. But our roads are still heavily congested at peak periods at go to work and school run times leading to idling engines and poor air quality and pollution adding to climate change we have to start to rethink our travelling habits."