Penrith residents are asked for their input on bike routes and walking routes

Cumbria County Council reminds residents that their feedback is needed to improve cycling and walking routes in Penrith.

The consultation on the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Penrith is open until Friday 25 February, with a drop-in event taking place this Thursday (10 February), at Penrith Library.

Penrith LCWIP focuses on:

The urban area of Penrith, where there is the greatest potential to get more people to cycle and walk for short trips. Longer distance connections into Penrith from outlying villages such as Plumpton, Eamont Bridge and Stainton are also included in the plan.
Accessibility to the town centre and railway station.
The LCWIP acknowledges the potential of the proposed A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project (being developed by National Highways) to provide direct and improved links eastward into Penrith's rural surroundings with wider, longer-distance links to Centre Parcs, Temple Sowerby, Kirkby Thore, Crackenthorpe, Appleby in Westmoreland, Warcop and Brough.
The LCWIP also acknowledges that the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project may cause separation of communities to the south of Penrith and promotes direct cycling and walking routes at Kemplay Bank to connect communities such as Eamont Bridge.
Improvements to encourage walking are identified along primary routes into the town centre which include, new or enhanced road crossings, better quality public spaces and paths, and the provision of dedicated and separate space for walkers.

For more information about the LCWIP, please visit Cumbria County Council cycling and walking information (hyperlink). You can see a full information display at Penrith Library during the consultation period, or you can attend the event during which Cumbria County Council officials will be available to answer your questions:

Penrith Library - Thursday 10 February between 2.00pm and 5.30pm.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:

“This second round of consultation will help us to identify and prioritise the improvements needed so everyone can feel confident walking or cycling to work, school, community hubs and other areas in Penrith. All feedback will be helpful in assisting the funding applications, which, if successful, will help us increase active travel in Cumbria, reduce travel by car and help shape the future for cyclists and pedestrians.”

“Our officers will be attending Penrith Library on Thursday, to answer any questions that you may have about the LCWIP consultation. It is the perfect time to get involved with this survey, either face to face, at the drop-in session, or online.”

“Each suggestion we receive will be considered in order to improve the future cycling and walking network throughout Cumbria.”