Move to support cycling and walking in Wycombe

Plans to develop a network of cycling and walking routes around High Wycombe take their first step today (Monday 27 July) with the launch of a travel survey to find out how people currently get around the area.

This initial research stage will chart people’s current travel habits, ask why they use their chosen means of transport, and collect their thoughts about walking and cycling in High Wycombe now and in the future.

The results will help Buckinghamshire Council develop a long-term Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan to encourage and support active travel in the town.

Nick Naylor, Cabinet Member for Transport, said the Wycombe-wide survey https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/integrated-transport/hw-lcwip-baseline  which is open until Monday 17 August, was an important starting point to develop the plan.

“I know High Wycombe is hilly, but you still see many people cycling and walking, especially during lockdown in recent months,” said Nick. “This is about making meaningful investment to provide an improved network and encourage more people to take up healthier means of travel.

“We want to make High Wycombe a more accessible area for residents and visitors, so it’s important that people take part in this survey so that we catch their thoughts, opinions and feedback.”

Nick said the project would examine gaps and barriers in the local network, explore opportunities for cycling and walking along key travel corridors, and identify projects that could be done quickly, as well as consider longer term aspirations.

In addition to the plan, a study would look at opportunities for a sustainable travel link between Handy Cross hub and Daws Hill.

The aim is to produce the plan by early 2021. When finished, it will guide negotiations with developers, and help funding applications to support improvements to walking and cycling in High Wycombe.