cycling and walking to work: achievements
Cycling and walking make getting around easier and quicker and because 45% of all journeys in the conurbation are of less than two miles it's the ideal mode of transport.
It can be difficult to get people back into the saddle, but with 23% of Nottingham's population already owning a bicycle it's a form of transport that's already in most homes, gardens and sheds.
The Big Track
This 10 mile car-free track, pioneered by the Big Wheel marketing campaign, runs along Nottingham's waterways from Beeston Lock to the city centre and provides a healthy commute in and out of the City. 60,000 copies of this handy pocket guide have been distributed and demand continues to be high.
Cycle routes
Ten new cycle routes spanning 13km were developed in Greater Nottingham in 2006/07 adding to the already extensive cycle network which now extends across the conurbation connecting with Route 6 of the National Cycle Network. Local routes continue to be improved under a Strategic Cycle Route Network.
More and more employers are encouraging cycling by providing facilities for cyclists, while 800 cycle parking spaces in the City provide easy access to parking.
Ridewise
Ridewise provides professional free cycle training across Nottinghamshire so that more people have the confidence to get on their bikes for work.
Pavement improvements
Pavements have been improved, widened and de-cluttered in key parts of the City to encourage walking. In 2006/07 around 2,505 metres of new or improved footways were delivered and 200 metres of pedestrianisation schemes were implemented.
Primary Pedestrian Routes
Nine main pedestrian routes into the City are now being improved and developed with new paving, lighting and other measures to incentivise walking to work.
Regular commuting by walking and cycling makes employees fitter, more mentally active and ready to tackle the daily challenges of the workplace. With motoring and car parking costs likely to rise, it makes more and more sense to leave the car at home.