Hillingdon cycling strategy outlines long-term ambitions to boost active travel

The council's new Cycling Strategy details its bold plans for making cycling safer and more accessible to all, through measures including new and upgraded cycle routes and by working to future-proof active travel in the borough.

The strategy was formally launched at an event in the Closes Park, West Drayton, on Friday 27 September, where local school pupils enjoyed some free cycling training and residents were invited to bring their bikes along for a free health check from Dr Bike.

Central to the council's plans is the creation of eight new dedicated cycle routes, some of which use the borough's green spaces and towpaths so riders can avoid busy roads, which can often be daunting to new or inexperienced cyclists.

When people choose more sustainable forms of travel, such as cycling and walking, it has the combined effect of reducing local vehicle emissions while improving riders' health and wellbeing.

The strategy was updated to include residents' feedback following a public consultation earlier this year. The consultation showed most respondents supported the draft document, with more than 70 per cent saying that they would consider cycling more and just under 90 per cent supporting the overall aims of the strategy.

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport, said: "We're grateful for the informed contributions from residents which have helped shape our final strategy document to ensure that what we aim to deliver is as ambitious and inclusive as possible.

"Over the next 10 years our target is to see more people, of all backgrounds and abilities, confidently and safely using the borough's cycle network and highways.

"Our approach will be to try and bring existing and new cyclists along for the journey by creating facilities that make them choose to ride instead of driving, but with the realism we can't have the same expectation of all motorists."

In recent years, the council has already made good ground on cycling provision, including the delivery of more and better cycle parking, improvements to towpaths to make them suitable for cycles and use in all weathers and the continuation of the council's highly popular free cycle training for children and adults.

The Cycling Strategy can be viewed at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/cycling.