Lancashire’s ‘missing’ link cycling routes to be completed across Rossendale, St Annes and Pendle

Details have been revealed of a series of ‘missing’ cycle links that are set to be plugged after Lancashire received £5.5m in funding to boost walking and cycling.

Major sections of the East Lancashire Cycle Network – a raft of mostly off-road routes connecting towns and villages – have already been completed, but the new cash will enable gaps in the existing infrastructure to be bridged across Rossendale.

The money will also be used to create an extension to a cycle lane in St. Annes, as well as junction improvements in Nelson. Some of the schemes will require public consultations to be carried out before they can be implemented, as highway regulations will have to be changed as a result of the planned works.

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The holes in the East Lancashire Cycle Networks which are to be filled in are:

• National Cycle Route 6, Baxenden – the scheme proposes a new toucan crossing, shared-use footway and parking restrictions. These have already been out to consultation and approved by Lancashire County Council’s cabinet.

• National Cycle Route 6, Rising Bridge – plans for an upgraded toucan crossing, cycle priority crossing and shared-use cycleway. The design has not been finalised as yet, but public consultation is likely towards the end of 2023.

• National Cycle Route 6, Rising Bridge, Helmshore Viaduct – work is due to start this autumn, with consultation already having taken place as part of a planning application.

• Valley of Stone: Bocholt Way, Rawtenstall – a proposed new toucan crossing with shared-use cycleway. Consultation has recently been completed, with a report due to go to Lancashire County Council’s cabinet in the near future for approval.

• Valley of Stone: surfacing at the eastern end of Stacksteads Country Park – this is mainly a scheme to improve an existing surface, so consultation may not be needed in order for the green light to be given to the plans.

• Valley of Stone: new cycleway connecting Stubbylee Park to New Line, Bacup – details not yet available about start dates or the need for any consultation.

• Valley of Stone: new section of cycleway at Facit, Whitworth – details not yet available about start dates or the need for any consultation.

The other two schemes are:

• St Annes: Clifton Drive North – detailed design work is currently being carried out on plans to extend – by 270 metres – the shared route for cyclists and pedestrians between Highbury Road West and Squires Gate, which was completed last year. The extension will be to the south, in the direction of St. Annes, with the aim being to make it safer and easier for people to negotiate a number of busy junctions along that stretch of the route. Public consultation is expected to take place in the autumn.

• Nelson: Broadway/Sagar Street/Holme Street junction upgrade – improvements to make the junction easier for cyclists and pedestrians to use and make the area feel more welcoming, with wider pavements and tree planting. The project is part of the wider Accessible Nelson programme being developed by Pendle Borough Council, with further public engagement expected later this year. The junction scheme is in the final planning stages and it is understood that the county council will have to agree with Pendle Council how it is delivered.

The additional cash has been awarded by the government agency Active Travel England, with Lancashire County Council receiving a 29 percent greater share of the nationwide pot as a result of the strength of its bid.

With more than four in ten of all journeys under two miles being made by car, County Hall has set targets to increase the proportion of these shooter trips which are taken by bike or on foot – both to improve the environment and individual health and wellbeing.

The authority is currently developing proposals for seven Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans to bridge gaps in Lancashire’s existing network of footpaths and cycle routes in order to facilitate safer, more direct and convenient journeys.

Speaking last month, after the £5.5m allocation was announced, County Cllr Scott Smith, lead member for highways and active travel at the county council, said that its targets to increase the number of people regularly cycling and walking in Lancashire were “ambitious” and that “really good progress” was being made in improving the infrastructure needed to achieve them.

He added: “We know that more people choose to walk and cycle for regular journeys where safe, direct, and convenient routes exist, and I’m really pleased that the more than £5.5m we have been awarded will allow us to make some significant improvements.

“Having the opportunity to choose active travel for regular short journeys can also have a massive impact on improving our mental and physical health, reducing congestion, and helping us and our environment by ensuring better air quality.

“The success of our recent bids to Active Travel England speaks to the strength of our proposals, and this latest funding adds to £1.1m which we were awarded in January.”

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