Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs)

In 2017 the Department for Transport (DfT) published its first Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy. This strategy sets out the Government's ambition to make walking and cycling the natural choices for shorter journeys or as part of a longer journey.

The Government's Strategy for Active Travel, Gear Change, published in 2020, sets out its overarching objective "to see a future where half of all journeys in towns and cities are cycled or walked."

LCWIPs provide a new strategic approach to identifying cycling and walking improvements required at the local level. They enable a long-term approach to developing local cycling and walking networks, ideally over a 10-year period. DfT has published technical guidance (opens new window) that outlines the process for Local Authorities producing LCWIPs. This sets out three main outputs:

• a network plan for walking and cycling which identifies preferred routes and core zones for further development
• a prioritised programme of infrastructure improvements for future investment
• a report which sets out the underlying analysis carried out and provides a narrative which supports the identified improvements and network

LCWIPs will support funding bids and provide guidance on planning and design decisions over the next 10 years. 

Infrastructure includes wayfinding and should be delivered to the standards set out in Local Transport Note 1/20 Cycle Infrastructure Design(LTN 1/20) (opens new window) and Wiltshire's Active Travel Infrastructure and Parking Standards, which will be published soon.

While the preparation of LCWIPs is non-mandatory Local Authorities who have plans will be well placed to make the case for future investment. Many of our local communities have placed improving walking and cycling facilities as a key priority in their Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (opens new window) and/or their Neighbourhood Plans. The Government states that: "while the preparation of LCWIPs is non-mandatory, LAs who have plans will be well placed to make the case for future investment."

The benefits of delivering the LCWIP proposals:

• supporting the economy, by providing safe alternative travel options and addressing congestion
• enabling short journeys by making cycling and walking safer, more convenient and accessible to all
• improving health and quality of life, by enabling people to be more active in everyday life
• tackling climate change and improving air quality
• creating safer streets and more pleasant neighbourhoods
• enhancing the tourism offer of the area; and
• preserving and enhancing the area's world-class natural environment

The LCWIP is a long-term framework which will guide future investment in walking and cycling infrastructure over the next 10- 20 years. Each proposed improvement would be subject to consultation and engagement on the detailed design. Designs will also need to take account of developments that come forward and any changes to national design guidance and standards.

Delivery of schemes will depend on the funding available, such as securing bids to DfT's Active Travel Fund, or securing commitments through development.

The government requires LCWIPs to demonstrate that routes are planned where there is the most propensity to walk and cycle. This is mainly in the larger urban areas where people live closer to facilities. The government also requires networks to be cohesive i.e. continuous routes should be provided to major destinations and routes should join together.

Unlike most councils which have only developed urban LCWIPs, Wiltshire Council has also developed the framework Wiltshire LCWIP which sets out:

• key cycle routes which connect urban areas and where there is potential to attract tourists
• walking and cycling routes around rail stations outside the Principal Settlements and Market Towns