People are being reminded to have their say on improvements plans for Whitehaven’s walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
Cumberland Council is asking for feedback as part of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan – which focuses on enhancing routes from Whitehaven Harbour to Esk Avenue, including Coach Road and The Gardens.
The improvements aim to promote active travel, improve safety and accessibility, and encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle.
All existing bus stops and service provisions will be retained under the improvement plans.
While funding is not yet in place for full implementation of the improvements, the current phase seeks input on concept designs to help shape the next steps.
Key insights from previous consultations on the project highlight strong local demand for better cycling and walking infrastructure:
- 74 per cent of respondents said improvements would encourage them to walk and cycle more.
- 74 per cent identified busy roads as a key barrier to cycling.
- 76 per cent supported separate cycle routes for greater safety.
- 91 per cent backed active travel improvements, even when this meant less space for other road traffic.
The proposed routes are a priority within the cycling and walking infrastructure plan and include sections of the popular Sustrans C2C Cycle Route and Hadrian’s Cycleway.
In 2024, Cumberland Council secured funding from Active Travel England to improve the cycleway between Esk Avenue and Mirehouse Road in Whitehaven, which connects with these proposals.
The online survey will remain open until Sunday 9 February, and can be found here: Cycling, walking and wheeling proposals for Whitehaven – Cumberland Council – Citizen Space
