Hillingdon Council is calling on residents to participate in shaping its new Cycling Strategy aimed at enhancing cycling infrastructure and promoting more cycling among residents.
The council has unveiled a draft of its Cycling Strategy, a comprehensive 10-year plan designed to facilitate safer and easier cycling trips within the borough. This strategy seeks to improve existing infrastructure and encourage more people to choose cycling as a mode of transportation.
Feedback is being sought from residents, businesses, and visitors on the draft strategy before the final version is released later this summer. This consultation period is crucial for the council to gauge public opinion and refine their plans based on community input.
One of the key proposals in the strategy is the introduction of eight new dedicated cycle routes. Residents are especially encouraged to share their preferences on these routes to help the council prioritize which paths to develop first.
Hillingdon Council has already made significant progress by installing numerous kilometres of dedicated cycling networks and providing free cycle training to thousands of young people. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in increasing cycling participation among residents.
The draft strategy outlines various approaches to overcome these challenges, emphasizing the use of the borough’s green spaces and towpaths. These routes are intended to offer safer, less congested alternatives to busy roads, making cycling more accessible and appealing, especially to new or inexperienced cyclists.
Residents are encouraged to review the draft strategy and submit their feedback. This is a pivotal opportunity for the community to influence the future of cycling in Hillingdon, ensuring that the infrastructure meets their needs and promotes a healthier, more sustainable mode of transport.
Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport said: “We’re committed to creating a green and sustainable borough with thriving healthy households.
“By facilitating more safe [sic], car-free travel options for residents it will remove non-essential and polluting journeys from borough roads, while helping residents to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
“We want to hear from residents and other stakeholders to ensure our ambitions align with residents’ needs, so that what we deliver will be well-used and also represent good value for money for everyone.”
For more information and to participate in the consultation, visit Hillingdon Council’s website before the deadline on Tuesday 4 June.
