To seek Cabinet approval for the adoption of the updated Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWWIP) for Herefordshire, following public consultation. The LCWWIP sets out a strategic approach to improving walking and cycling infrastructure across the county, supporting active travel and travel choice, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing public health.

Councillor Price cabinet member for transport and infrastructure introduced the report

It was noted that this represented the next key step in the Council’s wider integrated approach to transport planning for Hereford.  The Local Transport Plan was adopted in December 2025 and that set out the overall direction for the Council’s transport network and how they want that to evolve.  Work has been undertaken to align all the Council’s transport policies to reflect that strategy and priorities that communities have told the council mattered the most.  The Local Cycling, Walking, Wheeling Infrastructure Plan (LCWWIP) is a crucial piece of ork and  provides clear evidence based plan for improving walking, wheeling and cycling across the county. 

It was noted that formal adoption of the plan was a key step in delivering the council’s integrated approach to transport planning. It enables projects to be prioritised and delivered efficiently. It complements major infrastructure schemes, ensuring all transport investments form a coherent, integrated network, and supports joined?up improvements across all modes of travel.

Comments from cabinet members:

It was confirmed that the projects identified through consultation were not funding commitments or priorities at this stage. The plan contained a long list of potential schemes that can be drawn on in the future, with priorities to be set as and when funding and grant opportunities become available.

It was emphasised that the LCWWIP supports greater choice in transport across the county and is closely aligned with parish councils’ environmental priorities. The plan is presented as a non?prescriptive framework that encourages individual travel choices which improve health and wellbeing, reduce carbon emissions, and support short local journeys. It highlights the integration of green infrastructure, access to green spaces, and high?quality design, with sustainability running as a core principle throughout delivery, including commitments to energy efficiency, waste minimisation, and environmental standards within contracts.

Group Leaders were invited to offer their views:

Group Leader for Independents for Herefordshire outlined their views and noted that:

Welcomed the plan and noted the assurances provided that the document will be treated as a live document.  However, clarity was sought regarding how that would happen, the process and the frequency.  Concerns were highlighted that the canal towpath may not be clearly recognised, possibly due to the document format making it difficult to search. They stressed that the canal and its towpath have significant potential to provide an off?road walking and cycling route across the county. Although this infrastructure did not currently exist, they strongly felt it should be acknowledged and safeguarded within the LCWWIP as a future transport asset.

The Liberal Democrat Group outlined their views and noted that:

The need to maintain a strong and active focus on delivering walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure, rather than allowing the plan to sit unused was stressed. The importance of meaningful engagement, not only when identifying schemes but also during detailed design, was emphasised.  It was noted that poor past cycling infrastructure could have been avoided with better consultation. It was highlighted that active travel investment should be presented as benefiting everyone, not just active travellers, by reducing congestion and encouraging safer, healthier travel choices across the county.

The Green Group outlined their views and noted that:
The Group welcomed the plan and the extensive public consultation behind it, noting strong engagement and inclusion of scrutiny recommendations. They emphasised the importance of keeping the plan as a live document, with ongoing member involvement in shaping schemes and priorities. Concerns were raised that some projects had not been fully considered by members or had been delayed, including schemes funded through Section 106, despite their importance for safety in growing residential areas. While welcoming the plan’s focus on safety, they highlighted issues around perceptions of safety, connectivity, and cohesion, particularly where cycling routes are fragmented. They also expressed concern that investment was concentrated in Hereford, with market towns and rural areas such as Ledbury, Bromyard and Kington appearing underrepresented, despite their importance to residents, the local economy and tourism. Overall, they supported the plan but stressed that it must benefit the whole county, not just the city.

In response to comments made the cabinet members noted that:

The Cabinet Member reflected on the extensive consultation involved in developing walking and cycling schemes, noting that perceptions varied depending on users’ experiences. Drawing on personal examples, the cabinet member highlighted how unsafe conditions discouraged cycling and walking, reinforcing the importance of improving safety to increase take?up. The cabinet member reported encouraging evidence from recent observations which showed a significant proportion of journeys already being made by walking and cycling, demonstrating the potential for modal shift.

It was noted that improving perceptions of safety was critical to increasing participation, and that better connectivity within market towns was achievable, although linking towns across rural highways presented greater challenges. The comments about the canal were acknowledged, and it was confirmed there had been discussions with the Canal Trust, noting that while restoration may not be feasible, the towpath could have future potential for active travel.

The Leader of the Council concluded the discussions. Councillor Price proposed the recommendations and the Leader seconded for the decision before them which is that Cabinet:

That:

a)    the new Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWWIP) for Herefordshire be adopted;

b)    delegated authority be given to the Chief Operating Officer for Economy and Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure to take all operational decisions to deliver the LCWWIP

The recommendations were unanimously approved.