Question 11
More and safer cycle lanes, secure areas to leave bikes, ability to cycle into the town center. Better public transport links from rural areas.
There is a definite need to improve footpaths and cycleways within Bedford Borough, to encourage more people to walk and cycle safely. I hope these comments are helpful, and can be given consideration.
Safe, segregated cycle routes should be built and sustainable transport should be more beneficial and an easier choice for individuals rather than using a person’s own car. Bedford BC should examine schemes in other parts of the country e.g. in Bristol there are charging points and a car at the end of streets and residents join a car club to make use of them. EEH Transport Strategy aims to create transport hubs and one should be implemented at Bedford station so electric cars & bikes and cycles can be hired. Such hubs would also encourage economic growth in the area. Bus timetables should be linked to train timetables so waiting is reduced to 15 minutes and bus fares should be cheap enough for residents to want to use them. Buses should also be electric and appropriate sizes for village roads.
1. Out of town Park & Ride facilities. 2. Electric buses - at an affordable price. 3. Alternatively, a Parkway station for those areas in the the Borough generating the most traffic.
Reliable and affordable public transport to all areas. Safety for pedestrians.
Carry on with the bus pass for pver 65's try to keep the bus service in villages, perhaps make the Gt Denham Park & Ride site permanent.
The Borough Council needs to substantially increase investment in good standard footways/cycleways linking existing communities together, integrating new development and coordinating with other sustainable modes of transport.
More acceptable level of service, especially tto rural areas. Town or urban areas now appear to be well served, however our own 'One bus per day' at an inconvenient time is something of a joke - resulting in under use.
Major work to repair potholes, better footpaths and cycle routes sited away from roads.
Major work to repair potholes, better footpaths and cycle routes sited away from roads.
Agreed response: The location of development, the availability and cost of sustainable modes of transport. These need to be available at times and to places that the public want. It must be reliable. It must work out cheaper than independent travel.
Improved park and ride services. Improved pricing model to make the use of public transport more affordable and more attractive to families (as soon as more than 1 person is travelling it is cheaper to go by car). More restrictions on use of the car in town centre areas Improved/safer footpaths and cycleways Public cycle rental system Additional secure cycle storage Introduction of River taxi service Rail station and bus station should be better connected.
Members emphasised that East Northamptonshire has no railway stations; therefore the potential delivery of further new stations within the Borough is supported. Fare structures were also highlighted, whereby ticket costs are vastly more costly for travel into London St Pancras from Wellingborough, compared to Bedford. • Members also raised concerns about the Government’s proposals to remove the statutory Duty to Cooperate. Given the emerging potential growth strategies within Bedford Borough and the wider Oxford – Cambridge Arc, it is critical that such close working arrangements are maintained.
Better bus services from our rural villages. Emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. It is not possible for many rural residents to cycle into Bedford given the distances they live from the town, rural roads are also not safe given the 60 mph speed limit on such roads therefore improved bus services are essential. Support for local rural facilities such as shops, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres should be given. This would reduce the need for rural residents to use the car to access them.
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
What do you think would encourage people in Bedford borough to make greater use of sustainable modes of transport? In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; □ Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); □ Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; □ Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. □ Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; □ Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); □ Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; □ Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. □ Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; □ Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); □ Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; □ Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. □ Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; □ Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); □ Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; □ Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. □ Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; □ Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); □ Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; □ Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. □ Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
In order to achieve more sustainable development, the current principle of developing additional primary road networks to facilitate new development needs to be reviewed and altered in favour of environmentally sustainable alternatives. An emphasis needs to be placed on the provision and availability of easy and affordable public transport, and sustainable transport alternatives – encouraging good quality connections and sustainable transport hubs. An integrated network of segregated cycle routes in both urban and rural areas needs to become the norm encouraging people of all ages and abilities to feel safe and use their bicycles more regularly. Transport hierarchy needs to be adhered to in relation to providing for sustainable modes of travel – this has been even more evident in the 2020 – 2030 plan during the global COVID-19 Pandemic. A shift in urban street layout and practices to prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, needs to be given rather than to the private car. Easy access to electric cars, charging points and car clubs – as a mean to reduce Single Vehicle Occupancy (SOV) trips needs to be adapted around the county. The provision of local infrastructure (e.g. shopping facilities, sporting/recreational facilities, community centres etc) need to be available locally in order to reducing the need for residents to use the car to access them – a culture of the “20-minute neighbourhood” is required. The “20-minute neighbourhood” is all about ‘living locally’ – giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip of their home. In essence, a requirement to undertake the following is necessary; □ Make sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible – removing physical barriers (e.g. crossing of the A421, widening access route to and from the town centre e.g. Bromham Bridge); □ Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to communities, in particular rural communities; □ Actively reducing the priority given to unsustainable forms of transport. □ Reversing past unsustainable transport policies and actions
Making sustainable modes of transport safe and easily accessible, especially in and between rural areas. The Camel Trail in Cornwall, for example, attracts hundreds of people to walk and cycle it every day because it has very long stretches which are kept isolated from motorised transport. Creating similar traffic free networks between urban and rural areas in Bedfordshire would encourage wider use and reap significant health benefits to the residents. Substantially increasing the frequency of bus services to rural communities would benefit residents and help support new development.