Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan – Public Engagement Launched

BCP Council has launched initial engagement that will inform its emerging Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). The LCWIP will be BCP Council's long-term strategic vision setting out the walking and cycling infrastructure which is required across the area over the next 20 years. LCWIPs need to be in place to attract central government transport funding.

The public is invited to view and comment on a proposed network of walking and cycling routes connecting the whole of the BCP area (see images). This will help identify priorities and the most important interventions needed to make BCP safer and better for walking and cycling.

The government has stated that ‘increasing walking and cycling can help tackle some of the most challenging issues we face as a society - improving air quality, combating climate change, improving health and well-being, addressing inequalities and tackling congestion on our roads.’

BCP and Dorset councils were successful in securing £79m from central government for improvements to walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure in south east Dorset, through the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF). The six TCF sustainable travel routes form one part of the LCWIP cycling and walking network.

The LCWIP will set out the strategy and delivery plans for the period beyond 2023 when TCF funding comes to an end. Each proposed improvement would be subject to separate detailed design and public consultation ahead of final designs being approved and construction starting.

Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for Transport and Sustainability said: "It is vitally important that we plan for a sustainable transport future. Cars will not be going away, but we must put the infrastructure in place to give people the choice of healthier and safer ways of getting about. The LCWIP is our long-term vision for this future infrastructure so it is vital that everyone has the chance to input into its development."

The LCWIP engagement is being conducted through BCP Council’s online engagement platform at: https://haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/lcwip. This allows members of the public to view detailed maps and plans and complete a feedback survey. The engagement will begin on Thursday 25^thMarch and will last for 4 weeks.

Feedback from this engagement will inform the draft LCWIP which will be formally consulted on in summer 2021.

The LCWIP is a key part of BCP Council’s Transforming Travel programme.