Hastings Walking and Cycling Strategy

Overview

We would like to hear your views about Hastings draft Walking & Cycling Strategy; this  proposes a strategic network of walking and cycle routes across the town that focus on supporting short local journeys, particularly to support access to employment, education and shopping facilities.

How to take part

You can complete the online survey or you can come along to the consultation event in the Priory Meadow Shopping Centre in Hastings on:-

Saturday 18th January 2014 10.00am - 2.00pm

Staff from East Sussex County Council and Hastings Borough Council will be available to discuss the strategy, and will be supported by representatives from Hastings Urban Bikes and the Ramblers .

Sustrans will also be represented and bike maintenance will be available outside of the shopping centre.

Why your views matter

East Sussex County Council's Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2011 - 2026 identifies Hastings as a priority area for investment, to support economic growth and to support the delivery of housing and commercial development. It clearly outlines that walking and cycling has the opportunity to make a significant contribution to supporting the local economy in Hastings, alongside the larger infrastructure projects that are being developed, by tackling congestion on the local road network and unlocking development sites by supporting access by active travel.

A range of walking and cycle related measures are identified in the LTP approach for Hastings, these include:

• a focus on improvements and safety of key walking routes in Hastings;
• develop and implement the cycle route networks for Hastings, focusing on key routes into the town centre, along the seafront and providing links to existing and future residential and employment areas; and
• measures to improve traffic movements and access by foot, by bike or by public transport in Hastings town centre.

It includes an ambitious, short and longer term complementary mix of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure and ‘softer measures’, including training, initiatives and marketing,  to motivate a behaviour change towards more active travel.

The strategy also includes a strong partnership base of local authority partners, the voluntary sector and local walking and cycling groups, who are committed to collaborating to seek investment and support delivery.

What happens next

Your views will help us shape the final strategy and implementation plan.

We will report to the East Sussex County Council Lead Member for Transport and Environment in April 2014, along with seeking local member approval from Hastings Borough Council. This will set out the strategic walking and cycling routes for the town along with a recommended implementation plan. A copy of the report will be available on the County Council's website nearer the time.

Thank you