Council approves Walking & Cycling Plan
Eastleigh Borough Council’s Cabinet has approved a Walking and Cycling Strategy that aims to increase levels of active travel in Eastleigh.
The Walking and Cycling Strategy 2023-2030 supports the Council’s response to the Climate Change and Environmental Emergency declaration and will encourage and promote active travel, reducing congestion and associated air pollution that will have many benefits for the climate. 82% of respondents were in support of the vision and 68% of respondents thought more space should be given over to walking and cycling even if it means less space for motor traffic.
It was produced following an extensive consultation with local people, businesses and organisations that aimed to identify how safe and what barriers there are to walking and cycling in Eastleigh together with what extent people supported the objectives set out in the draft strategy.
The five most popular measures that would help people to cycle more were:
More traffic free cycle routes (68% support)
More physical separation from traffic (68% support)
More signposted routes (38% support)
Better links with public transport (23% support)
Access to an electric bike (15% support)
The five most popular measure that would help people to walk more were:
Fewer cars parked on pavements (52% support)
Wider pavements (33% support)
More road crossings (32% support)
Nicer places to stop and rest (32% support)
Better Accessibility (21% support)
Cabinet Member for Transport and Economy Cllr James Duguid said, “We are committed to encouraging more people to use sustainable forms of travel and will now work towards improving and providing safer and enjoyable walking and cycling routes across the Borough.”
He added, “We want walking and cycling in the Borough to be safe, healthy and attractive for travel and leisure purposes and will become the natural choice for shorter journeys - or as part of a longer journey - for people of all ages and abilities.”