North Tyneside Council is proposing to raise its target for getting more people to cycle in the borough.
Cycling in North Tyneside has already increased by more than 60 per cent over four years.
The local authority’s updated draft Cycle Strategy sets a new target of an annual increase in cycling trips of 10 per cent, increased from seven per cent in the current strategy.
It follows continued investment in the cycling network, expansion of Bikeability cycle training in schools and increased popularity of initiatives such as the annual Summer of Cycling.
At a meeting of the council’s Cabinet last night, approval was given to carry out public engagement on the draft strategy. The strategy has been developed by the council with its partner Capita, which delivers sustainable transport initiatives for the local authority.
Cllr Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “Everyday cycling is a healthy, sustainable and affordable way to get to work, school or the shops, for people of all ages.
“The updated draft strategy sets out how we will continue to support cycling in the borough – a key part of our plans to work towards being carbon net zero by 2030.
“We’ve delivered a variety of cycle improvements right across the borough with more to come, including the Sea Front Sustainable Route.
“The updated Cycle Strategy will help to ensure the borough is best placed to secure external funding for further sustainable transport improvements.”
The updated draft strategy sets out how the council will continue to support cycling as a healthy and sustainable way to travel, both by developing routes and infrastructure suitable for everyday cycling and by seeking to expand cycling training and support.
It will include North Tyneside Council’s draft Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which is a detailed review and assessment of strategic cycle routes across the borough and walking links in town centres. Completion of the LCWIP is encouraged by national government to attract and prioritise funding for active travel improvements within the borough.
And the strategy features an updated version of the associated North Tyneside Cycling Design Guide, which sets out design standards for cycling provision.
The consultation is underway, and comments can be submitted until 9 December 2022. The details of the consultation can he found here: North Tyneside Cycling Strategy consultation.
