We want to enable more people to walk and cycle for regular journeys, such as going to work, or to the shop. With over 40% of all journeys under 2 miles made by car, with the right infrastructure in place, many of these shorter journeys can be made on foot or by bike.

We have plans to increase opportunities for active travel to create better connected, greener, safer and healthier communities where people want to live and work.

Read our 2018 Lancashire active travel strategy (PDF)

Local cycling and walking infrastructure plans (LCWIPs)

Local cycling and walking infrastructure plans (LCWIPs) enable a long-term approach to developing local cycling and walking networks and form a vital part of the Government’s strategy to increase active travel.

Last year we conducted a survey (Stage 1) to understand what you think of our existing network, barriers to walking and cycling, and suggestions for new or improved routes and facilities. We have used this feedback to help us develop a draft active travel network plan for Lancashire.

Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent public engagement. We are compiling your feedback and will be sharing the results soon.

Active travel fund

In May 2023, Lancashire County Council received a massive £5.5m boost to make sure more people have the option to walk and cycle safely for short journeys.

The funding awarded was partly performance based, with the council receiving 29% extra as a result of the strength of its bid.

The following improvements are planned as part of this.

St Annes - Clifton Drive North

The shared route for cyclists and pedestrians between Highbury Road West and Squires Gate which was completed last year is due to be extended around 270m south towards St Annes, making it safer and easier for people to negotiate a number of busy junctions.

Nelson – Broadway/Sagar Street/Holme Street junction

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, are part of the wider Accessible Nelson programme being led by Pendle Borough Council.

Rossendale - East Lancashire Cycle Network

Major sections of this mostly off-road network linking towns and villages have already been completed, however this new funding will ensure a number of missing links can be delivered. This includes new sections of shared-use paths which form part of Nation Cycle Route 6 at Stacksteads, Britannia, Whitworth and Helmshore, and improved road crossings at Baxenden, Rising Bridge, Rawtenstall.

Following a successful bid to the Department for Transport in 2020, we were also awarded £2.8m to deliver the following schemes:

More about walking and cycling

Lancashire has an abundance of walks, including countryside, canals, rivers, woodlands, coast and towns. Ride along our traffic free routes, seaside promenades and canal towpaths.