Tell us your views on our draft Buckinghamshire Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) are a strategic approach to identify walking, cycling and wheeling improvements in an area. 

LCWIPs are a key part of a national aim to make walking, cycling and wheeling the natural transport choice for short journeys, or as a part of a longer journey. 

The key outcomes of an LCWIP include: 

• a network plan which identifies preferred routes and areas for further development 
• a prioritised programme of infrastructure improvements for investment in the short, medium and long term 

We have already developed LCWIPs for Aylesbury, Buckingham and High Wycombe, which identify improvements for walking, cycling and wheeling in and around each of these towns. 

There is no LCWIP that identifies priorities for walking, cycling and wheeling connections between towns and villages across Buckinghamshire.  

The draft Buckinghamshire LCWIP aims to do this, focusing on connections that are likely to have user demand. It describes these priorities as early concepts or ‘corridors’, These are shown as straight lines between towns and villages, exact routes are not defined. 

Following the publication of the Buckinghamshire LCWIP, each corridor will undergo further investigation. This will decide what interventions may be required and where specific routes may go. Interventions could include new or improved paths and crossing points. Some corridors may be more appropriate for walking, cycling or wheeling. Delivering any improvements is not guaranteed and will be subject to external funding being identified and secured.  

We have engaged with stakeholders to ensure local knowledge has informed our draft LCWIP.  

We gathered supporting data and used digital tools to: 

• map existing transport routes and networks in Buckinghamshire
• understand existing and potential walking, cycling and wheeling journeys 
• find the purpose of these journeys for example, education, employment, shopping, leisure, tourism, community and health facilities, and public transport hubs 

We then invited Community Boards and Councillors to tell us about their aspirations for walking, cycling and wheeling improvements. We worked with Councillors and looked at local data to select priorities for inclusion in our draft LCWIP. This means that the proposed LCWIP network is made up of a series of identified ‘corridors’ that are likely to have most use.

Throughout this process, we have identified many local aspirations. Local aspirations which have not been prioritised are displayed in a supplementary map that is included as an appendix to the draft LCWIP. 

The LCWIP proposals will help to deliver positive outcomes for Buckinghamshire, including: 

• improving the attractiveness of walking, cycling and wheeling 
• giving people alternative options for travel other than by car 
• responding to climate change and tackling emissions 
• promoting health and wellbeing and access for all 
• accommodating future growth 
• supporting local economies 

We are reliant on external funding to deliver new walking and cycling infrastructure. To seek external funding, we need to have a published LCWIP.  

The Buckinghamshire LCWIP will sit alongside our existing LCWIPs. It will support other strategies including the Local Transport Plan 5 and Local Plan for Buckinghamshire, which are currently in development. Together these strategies will ensure a balanced long-term approach to transport in Buckinghamshire. 

This consultation uses the term ‘active travel’. The term ‘active travel’ refers to modes of transport that involve physical activity, such as walking, cycling or wheeling. 

The term ‘wheeling’ includes adapted cycles, wheelchairs (manual and electric), mobility scooters, e-scooters, prams and push scooters. 

Find out more about active travel in Buckinghamshire. 

Parts of the proposed LCWIP network could involve or create useful routes for equestrians. As individual corridors are investigated further, we will work with The British Horse Society, The British Driving Society and local user groups to identify these opportunities. Provision for equestrians cannot be guaranteed in all circumstances.