A new 10-year plan was introduced in Hillingdon to encourage more people to cycle for their daily commute and promote active travel. The plan, unveiled on Friday, includes various measures to improve cycling in the area, such as the development of new and upgraded cycle routes.
The council’s Cycling Strategy aims to create eight new dedicated cycle routes, some of which will utilize green spaces and towpaths to provide cyclists with safer alternatives to busy roads. The strategy was launched at an event in Closes Park, West Drayton, where young individuals received free cycling training and residents had the opportunity to bring their bikes for a complimentary health check from Dr Bike.
Following a public consultation earlier this year, the strategy was updated to incorporate feedback from residents. The majority of respondents expressed their support for the plans, with over 70 per cent indicating that they would be willing to cycle more frequently.
Cllr Jonathan Bianco, the council’s deputy leader, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, “Over the next decade, our goal is to encourage more individuals, regardless of their background or abilities, to confidently and safely use the borough’s cycle network and highways. Our strategy involves creating facilities that will entice both existing and new cyclists to choose cycling over driving. However, we also acknowledge that we cannot expect all motorists to make the switch.”
For more information on the Cycling Strategy and to view the detailed plan, residents can visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/cycling. The council hopes that by implementing these measures, they can make cycling a more accessible and appealing mode of transportation for the community, leading to a healthier and more sustainable future for Hillingdon.
