Introduction
What is an LCWIP?
Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs), as set out in the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS), are a strategic approach to identifying improvements to cycling and walking routes. LCWIPs will enable a long-term approach to developing local cycling and walking networks, typically over a 10 year period. Developing an LCWIP for North Tyneside will ensure the borough is well placed to make the case for future investment in cycling and walking provision.
Why prepare an LCWIP?
The key outputs of LCWIPs are:
- A network plan for walking and cycling which identifies prioritised routes that improve connectivity and core zones for further development
- A prioritised programme of infrastructure improvements for future investment
- A report which sets out the underlying analysis carried out and provides a narrative which supports the identified improvements and network.
Local authorities which have adopted LCWIPs are best placed to make the case for future investment, including external funding, for the cycling and walking network.
The production of an LCWIP offers authorities the chance to strengthen local partnerships with National Highways, Active Travel England, Network Rail and other stakeholders who can be influential in providing infrastructure to enable more walking and cycling. The LCWIP also provides an opportunity for an authority to demonstrate its commitment to related policy issues such as working towards being carbon net-zero; improved public health through active travel; supporting local air quality; and improving access to education and employment.
How to prepare an LCWIP
The Department for Transport (DfT) have produced a guidance document on how to develop a LCWIP; this sets out the LCWIP process as taking six stages as outlined below.
- Determining Scope
- Gathering Information
- Network Planning for Cycling
- Network Planning for Walking
- Prioritising Improvements
- Integration and Application