Cumbria County Council is delighted to announce that they have been awarded a Sustainability Project of the Year Award for innovative cycling and walking plans for Cumbria.

At an awards ceremony last week, the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) North East and Cumbria, recognised the county councils ambitious walking and cycling plans through the award which celebrates projects that make a positive benefit in the region.

Cumbria County Council has developed six Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) for Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith, Workington and Whitehaven and launched the plans earlier this year.

The county council’s ambition is for cycling and walking to be the natural choice for everyday short journeys. Increased active travel will improve health and wellbeing, contribute to transport decarbonisation, improve accessibility and inclusion, and support tourism and economy within our region.

The LCWIPs identify and prioritise cycling and walking improvements at a local level, with a focus on routes that are used for everyday shorter journeys, such as going to work, school or the shops. The aim is to encourage more people to travel on foot and by cycle for the benefit of people’s health and the environment.

Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:

“This is excellent news for the county council and also for the dedicated team behind this project.

“Having launched the LCWIPs for key locations within Cumbria, means that unlocking Government funding and developer contributions to build the infrastructure is achievable for Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith, Workington and Whitehaven.

“I would like to thank the Cumbrian community for all their help with consultations and providing feedback for the walking and cycling routes within their localities.”