RESIDENTS will be able to have their say this month on seven active travel action plans that have been developed by North Somerset Council.

Developing opportunities for people to travel around North Somerset by walking, wheeling and cycling is a priority for the council.

Cllr Steve Hogg, executive member for transport and highways said: "We strive for residents and businesses to choose walking/wheeling and cycling as the natural and enjoyable choice for short and medium length journeys and for the first and last mile of longer journeys.

"We want people to be able to make these journeys on a safe, connected network, and for active travel to be the most attractive option wherever possible."

The consultation will open on Monday, January 9, 2023 and run for six weeks until February 20.

Each of the seven draft plans for 2023-30 is designed to help to deliver the North Somerset Active Travel Strategy’s vision to: ‘make walking and cycling the natural choice for a cleaner, healthier and more active North Somerset’.

The Active Travel Strategy was adopted by North Somerset Council’s Executive in July 2021.

These plans set out a more detailed approach to seven different areas of active travel intervention.

The seven action plans are:

  • 20mph
  • Active Travel Network
  • First and Last Mile (to our public transport network for longer trips)
  • Liveable Neighbourhoods (making greener, safer, more attractive streets)
  • Rural Lanes
  • Safer Active Routes to School 
  • Transport Behaviour Change.

The council is keen to hear local people's views on each of these and has created a short questionnaire at: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/ataps2030.

Cllr Hogg added: "Transport accounts for 40 per cent of carbon emissions in North Somerset so we have to act quickly and effectively to make active travel an attractive and viable option for many more people.

"The pandemic saw a huge increase in the number of people using bikes, with levels above the national average. We know there's demand, we've got some great active travel routes already, but we need to do more.

"I'd encourage people to get involved in the survey so we can reflect local people's ideas in their development."

The council is also keen to hear from residents, businesses, visitors and other stakeholders who have ideas for active travel improvements in local areas.

Residents can also add their active travel improvements to an interactive map online at www.widenmypath.com.

The delivery of all scheme proposals will be subject to engagement and securing necessary funding and resources.