Chichester District Council has started work on the development of a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Chichester city centre and its links to adjoining parishes.
The plan aims to identify local cycling and walking improvements, and will outline a priority cycling and walking network, as well as the necessary infrastructure required for this. 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 is part of a partnership of local authorities delivering Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans across West Sussex. Thanks to funding from the West Sussex Business Rates and the Department for Transport, the council has commissioned an audit of current pedestrian pathways and cycle routes in Chichester, as well as assessing existing routes in and out of the city.
A key part of this work has been consultation with groups such as local cycling and walking groups, residents’ groups, elected members, local businesses, West Sussex County Council, parish councils and Chichester Business Improvement District (BID).
Once the audit is completed, a selection of walking and cycling improvements will be considered. These improvements will then be prioritised in order of which offer the most benefit to the largest number of people. This will help inform future investment decision making by the agencies responsible for planning, roads and pathways.
“We know that green transport is something our residents, workers and visitors are very passionate about, and as a council, we are too,” says Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council. “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.”