Local people are being encouraged to give their views on a new Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Chichester city centre, as part of a public consultation going live today (18 September) until 19 October 2020.
Chichester District Council has developed the plan to identify long term cycling and walking improvements in the city and its links to adjoining parishes. It outlines infrastructure that could enhance people’s cycling and walking journeys, and enable and encourage more people to walk and cycle in and around the area.
“We know that green transport is something our residents, workers and visitors are very passionate about,” says Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council. “We want our residents, community groups and businesses to have their say on the plan and its suggestions for safer, more accessible, and more joined-up cycling and walking routes.
“As a council, we are one of a partnership of local authorities delivering Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans across West Sussex. Over the last year, our officers have been working hard to develop a plan that, once adopted, will inform both the Local Plan Review and future investment decision-making by the agencies responsible for planning, roads and pathways. It will also help when bidding for grant funding and supports the Government’s strategy to increase the number of walking and cycling journeys, especially following lockdown.”
With the help of leading consultants, the council has carried out a comprehensive audit of current pedestrian pathways and cycle routes in Chichester, as well as assessing existing routes in and out of the city. As a result of this work, a selection of walking and cycling improvements has been identified.
Cllr Plant adds, “We have been speaking to many of you already, as part of our consultation with local groups, including: local cycling and walking groups, residents’ groups, elected members, local businesses, West Sussex County Council, parish councils and Chichester Business Improvement District (BID), but we’re also keen to hear from as many members of the public as possible.
“The consultation is an opportunity to view the draft plan and offer feedback on the areas of it that interest you in a quick 5-10 minute survey. We’d like to know if you feel the plan’s suggestions would improve your journeys, or encourage you to walk or cycle on more short journeys.”
The survey is split into three main sections:
- Understanding how often people cycle or walk to their destination, and whether road, pathway and network improvements would encourage them to take more journeys like this.
- Walking improvements: The plan sets out a range of walking improvements across the core walking zone and two key walking routes, including for those using wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters. This part of the survey highlights some of the key suggestions, such as separation between cycling and walking routes and continuous pathways.
- Cycling improvements: Nine routes for cycling improvements have been identified, and this section offers the opportunity for people to comment on as many of the routes as they want to.
The consultation is now live and on: www.chichester.gov.uk/letstalkcyclingandwalking and the deadline for responding is midnight on 19 October 2020. There is also a list of frequently asked questions to help put the survey into context and explain some of the terms used.
People can request a paper copy of the questionnaire by emailing [email protected]
People who would like to get involved with more consultations and surveys in the future can also join Chichester District Council’s Let’s Talk Panel. By signing up, they will be automatically notified of any consultations by email, and can decide whether or not they want to take part. People can join by visiting www.chichester.gov.uk/letstalkpanel
