Council Invites Residents to Shape Active Travel Future
Forest of Dean District Council has launched a six-week consultation to help shape the future of active travel in the area.
The consultation, which started this week, invites residents to share their views about the current active travel infrastructure in the Forest of Dean to help to identify areas for improvement which will make it easier and safer to walk, wheel, and cycle across the district.
Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Cllr Chris McFarling said:
“Active travel – whether that’s walking, wheeling, or cycling - plays a vital role in helping us connect communities, promote healthier lifestyles, provide a low-cost way to move around, and protect our natural environment.
"Studies show that getting out in, and reconnecting with, nature improves your wish to protect it - and wildlife needs protecting like never before.
“We know that people often choose the car for short trips because the alternatives can feel disconnected, unsafe, or inconvenient.
“We want to offer residents real alternatives to driving for some of their journeys by creating a network of safer, more accessible walking, wheeling, and cycling routes across our district.
“Embracing and investing in active travel that works for all ages and abilities, will not only help to reduce the number of vehicles on our roads but also lower carbon emissions, paving the way for a more sustainable future for everyone across the Forest of Dean.”
Views gathered during the consultation will be instrumental in helping the council work with other partner organisations to design and develop, a high-quality Active Travel Network that will lead to safer streets, cleaner air, and healthier communities across the Forest of Dean.
To take part in the consultation, please click the following link: www.fdean.gov.uk/activetravelfeedback
Drop-in sessions will be taking place where residents can look at and discuss the plans with the council. These will be held on Saturday 17 May (10am to 4pm) at Clearwell Memorial Hall as part of Newland Parish’s Community Action Day, on Tuesday 20 May (4pm to 8pm) at Newent Community Pavillion and on Wednesday 21 May (4pm to 8pm) at The Rising Sun Community Pub, Woodcroft.
For further information on active travel please visit: www.fdean.gov.uk/activetravel