In our Strategic Plan (2023-2032) we set an aim to enable residents to choose to reduce their reliance on cars by improving the desirability of walking, cycling and using public transport. Developing an Active Travel Infrastructure Plan is part of how we will deliver this.
This plan sets out measures the council will take to promote walking and cycling as a mode of transport across Knutsford. It was informed by community consultation, existing plans and published data and best practice related to promoting active travel.
The overarching objective of this plan is to make Knutsford a place where residents feel able to choose to walk and cycle rather than using a car for local journeys. It aims to guide work to make infrastructure changes that make walking and cycling easier and safer.
The benefits of promoting active travel are broad. More people walking and cycling will:
- Increase people’s health – active travel can combat chronic illness, improves cardiovascular fitness, alleviates joint pain and boosts mental wellbeing
- Promote social interaction
- Reduce the number of vehicles on roads – reducing congestion and pollution
- Reduce demand for town centre car parking – freeing it up for visitors and those who need it
There are actions in this plan which the Town Council can deliver directly, and actions where it will need to influence Cheshire East Council, as the highway authority, to make changes. There are actions which are low cost and can be delivered quickly, and actions which will require more significant investment – likely from grants or planning contributions.