Active Travel Strategy (2024-2040) consultation

Consultation closes: Wednesday 31 December 2025
Consultation opened: Wednesday 19 November 2025

To deliver the objectives, the strategy sets out two main types of action:

Infrastructure improvements (“hard” measures)

These are physical changes to the environment, including: 

• delivering and progressively building the high-quality network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes via the six the Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) covering towns and rural areas
• continue developing Green Wheel masterplans for towns: creating green corridors and accessible paths around towns and villages linking to green spaces, rights of way, and pedestrian/cycle networks
• installing dropped kerbs, removing unnecessary or inappropriate barriers (for wheelchairs, pushchairs, mobility aids) on paths and cycle tracks to make it easier and safer to move around without a car
• deploying AI sensors to monitor traffic flows and air quality which helps us understand travel behaviours, evaluate schemes and target interventions
• installing bike repair stations in town centres and leisure centres, providing secure cycle-parking and hubs especially at railway stations or major destinations
• working with neighbouring authorities and transport bodies to improve cross-boundary walking and cycling routes (for example linking to railway stations, the broader National Cycle Network)
• provide secure, accessible cycle parking and storage at key destinations (schools, stations, leisure centres, housing developments, and parks), including new cycle hubs and on-street cycle hangars so people can leave bikes safely and conveniently wherever they travel
• expand and improve cycling sport and recreation facilities, such as BMX tracks, pump tracks, mountain bike trails, and explore options for a closed road circuit, to promote cycling for leisure, skills, and community activity
• promote and enforce parking orders that prohibit parking on verges and footways, keeping them free for walking, wheeling and cycling
• re-allocating road space and introducing traffic filters (for example “School Streets” or “Play Streets”) to reduce car dominance in certain streets, making it safer and more inviting for walking or cycling
• improving signage and route direction for cyclists and pedestrians so people can find and use safe, direct routes

Education, incentives and other initiatives (“soft” measures)

These are non-physical actions to change behaviour and make active travel more attractive: 

• Active Lifestyles programmes to motivate residents who are less active to walk, wheel or cycle more. This is a referral-based programme linked to health and wellbeing
• cycling and walking friendly towns – securing ‘Cycling Town’ status for Leighton Linslade in 2008 and subsequent funding enabled major cycling infrastructure improvements and laid the foundation for future successful bids and schemes across the area
• promoting training for children: e.g., the “Bikeability” scheme in schools to build confidence and skills in cycling on local roads
• supporting bike hire schemes or loan programmes (including e-bikes) to make cycling a viable option for more people
• supporting a cycle refurbishment scheme (giving bikes to those who cannot afford them) so more people have access to a bike
• working with employers and schools to promote “Cycle to Work” schemes and active travel options for staff and pupils
• supporting Dr. Bike clinics with qualified to ensure children’s bikes are roadworthy for Bikeability training and other cycling events
• supporting walking and cycling events, community initiatives, and public communications (e.g., Car Free Day) to raise awareness and encourage uptake of active travel
• residents in selected towns can borrow an e-bike free for a month under the DfT-funded "Making Cycling E-asier" scheme, with results to inform our future plans
• trial e-bikes and e-scooters for short local trips once legislation allows, focusing on connections to railway stations and new developments
• promote community events that encourage active travel, such as the annual Bedfordshire Ramblers
• new residents are offered personalised journey planning and tailored information packs to help them choose sustainable travel options
• we deliver practical and educational road safety programmes, including Bikeability, to reduce conflicts between road users and promote safer cycling practices
• health-focused initiatives like social prescribing, guided walks, and the Street Tag app encourage physical activity to improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation
• residents can access information and travel maps, dedicated websites, and promoted trails to plan sustainable walking and cycling journeys across Central Bedfordshire
• assess residential areas to ensure essential services are within a 20-minute walk, supporting planning for more walkable neighbourhoods