Andrew Whittingham, director at Motion, highlights new guidance from Active Travel England.
Andrew said, “I think this is very useful guidance and reinforces that for Transport Assessments and Active Travel Strategies, the key question is no longer simply ‘Is there a footway?’ or ‘Is there a cycle route?’ but ‘Would people of all ages and abilities choose to use it?’ The guide places significant emphasis on route quality, inclusivity and attractiveness, which are becoming increasingly important considerations in planning decisions and Active Travel England reviews.”
Active Travel England’s new Rural Design Guide gives local authorities practical advice to create walking, wheeling and cycling routes that are safe, accessible and appealing in rural areas. It recognises that villages, small market towns and the countryside often have fewer transport options, longer distances to key services and less existing infrastructure than urban places, so routes must be direct, well-connected and usable by a wide range of people.
Although the guidance is not legally binding, it provides clear technical guidance and examples to support better design decisions. It covers route quality, crossings, junctions and links to new developments, helping councils move beyond minimum provision and focus on whether people actually want to use the route. To illustrate good practice, the guide includes 17 case studies from across England, such as the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail and the Beryl Burton Cycleway.
The publication follows extensive engagement with rural communities, councils and countryside organisations, including the National Trust, Natural England, CPRE, the Ramblers, the British Horse Society and National Parks.
It also supports the Government’s wider Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, which aims to deliver thousands of new routes and safer crossings by 2030, including in rural areas.
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