Following previous engagement activity carried out earlier in the year, Solihull Council is again seeking local views on its updated Cycling & Walking Strategy and accompanying Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).
The Cycling and Walking Strategy represents the Council’s overall approach to active travel in the borough. It sets out a clear vision for the delivery of cycling and walking infrastructure across Solihull and looks at what can be done to improve the capability and confidence of Solihull residents to cycle and walk more often. The strategy is part of Solihull Connected, Solihull’s Transport Strategy and Delivery Plan.
Residents were invited to share their views on the emerging strategy in February at a series of well attended public drop-in events which were held across the borough. An accompanying online survey was also shared at the time, which received over 300 responses. The strategy has subsequently been updated to ensure its objectives and overall aims are clearer, reflecting some of the feedback that was captured.
Since then the COVID-19 pandemic has seen a dramatic increase in popularity and uptake of active travel and the strategy has also been updated to account for this and incorporate new national standards for cycling published through the National Cycling and Walking Plan.
A second round of consultation activity was approved last night (Thursday 22 October) at the Council’s Growth and Infrastructure Delivery decision session meaning that there will be number of further opportunities for Solihull residents to have their say, with a series of virtual events to be announced shortly.
Ahead of this, the Council is sharing its updated strategy, which can be viewed here.
Councillor Ted Richards OBE, Cabinet Member for Growth & Infrastructure Delivery at Solihull Council, said:
“Where possible, we want to enable more residents to leave the car at home and feel confident choosing to walk or cycle instead.
“As well as the obvious health benefits, increasing the number of active travel journeys made across the borough will help us to address future pressures on our transport network while supporting our ambitious climate change target of net zero carbon emissions by 2041.
“Feedback from local residents so far has been really positive in helping to shape Solihull’s Cycling and Walking Strategy. This is a chance to look at how we deliver high quality cycling and walking infrastructure, tackle existing barriers to cycling and walking and embed cycling and walking initiatives into local policy.
“I would encourage everyone to take a look at our draft strategy which is now available on our website. There will be a range of opportunities to find out more and to share your thoughts on this important document over the coming weeks and we will be sharing details soon”.
The upcoming engagement period will run between Monday 9 November and Monday 21 December 2020. Details of how to get involved will be announced shortly.
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