Gloucestershire County Council has started a public consultation on the long-term future of cycling in Gloucestershire.

By working with Sustrans, a charity that looks after the national cycling network, the county council wants to identify a potential long-term strategic cycling network across the county.

This network would aim to connect people and places across the county with safe and accessible routes for everyone.

A better connected cycling network across the county would enable more people to get on their bikes and switch to an active mode of transport.

Improved cycling facilities is a part of the council’s commitment to working to help create a Greener Gloucestershire.

The council is committed to encouraging cycling by both improving facilities and promoting cycling wherever possible. This includes the recent promotion of the Women’s Tour and Tour of Britain, which saw the women’s race come to the county earlier this month with the men’s race following on 9 September.

Investment has also been made into the Gloucester to Cheltenham Cycle Route which is over 50 per cent complete and will be finished in 2023. This forms part of the proposed 26-mile cycle spine stretching from Stroud to Bishop’s Cleeve.

Views from residents will help form the long-term ambitions for cycling in the county. In addition to wanting to hear from cyclists about their experiences, the county council is keen to understand any potential barriers to residents getting on their bikes.

Cllr David Gray, Cabinet member responsible for the environment at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We want residents to be a part of the conversation on what a strategic cycling network could look like.

“Feedback and thoughts from residents across the county will help to inform future decision making as we continue to work to improve cycling facilities in the county.

“Enabling more people to be able to get on their bikes, whether it be for leisure or transport, is an important step in creating a Greener Gloucestershire.”