Chichester District Council environment chief Penny Plant says “green transport” is something the city is passionate about and as work starts on the development of a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.
One of the plan’s key aims is to identify improvements that can be made to benefit cycling and walking locally, and will outline a priority cycling and walking network, as well as the necessary infrastructure. The plan will assist in prioritising investment in local roads and pathways, including those delivered in association with the Local Plan. It will also help when bidding for grant funding.
Chichester District Council has commissioned an audit of current pedestrian pathways and cycle routes in Chichester, as well as assessing those routes that already exist in and around the city — all of which is possible thanks to funding from the West Sussex Business Rates and the Department for Transport.
And councillor Plant, who is the cabinet member for environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council said that the authority shares the passion for green transport along with residents, adding:
“We know that green transport is something our residents, workers and visitors are very passionate about, and as a council, we are too. This plan is an important step towards improved cycle and pedestrian access for the city. West Sussex County Council and Highways England are responsible for roads and pathways and this will assist them when making any future investment decisions.
“This is one of the many ways that the council is working to help protect the local environment. Last month, Cabinet declared a climate emergency and tasked the council’s Environment Panel to update the Climate Change Emergency Action Plan, which will aim to deliver measurable carbon reduction within the district. The Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan is being delivered as part of our air quality responsibilities and has a very important role in supporting this work.”
A crucial part of this work has been consulting with groups such as walking and cycling organisations, residents’ groups, elected members, businesses, West Sussex County Council, parish councils and Chichester Business Improvement District (BID).
A selection of walking and cycling improvements will be considered once the audit is completed. These improvements will then be made a priority in order of which offer the most benefit to the biggest number of people and thus help inform future investment decision-making.
Keen cyclist Tony Graham congratulated all concerned with project. He said:
“This is great news for both cyclists and walkers. We’re looking forward to seeing how things develop and remain heartened by the fact that something is being done to help the notion of green transport.”
