Residents, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to have their say on a new Essex Cycling Strategy.

Essex County Council has launched a six-week consultation on the draft strategy, which aims to encourage Safer, Greener and Healthier travel by making cycling an easier and more attractive option, particularly for short journeys.

The new strategy sets a simple vision – to see more people, of all abilities, ages and background, cycling in Essex more safely and more frequently.

It highlights six key cycling outcomes the council wants to achieve, as well as setting out activities and actions the council plans to take over the coming years.

Councillor Tom Cunningham, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: “Cycling is a fantastic way to enjoy our great county and make it a Safer, Greener and Healthier place for everyone.

“Not only can it be a cheap and convenient form of transport, it can help us tackle many of the big issues we face, improving people’s health and the environment, supporting economic growth, and helping tackle congestion.

“The new Essex Cycling Strategy is an important next step in helping us to support more people in the county to cycle more often, establishing it as a more attractive travel option.

“We know this won’t happen overnight, but the strategy will assist us in securing funding to improve and maintain cycling infrastructure in Essex and help guide future investment in cycling.

“We have developed the strategy based on the best ideas, practice and evidence from around the world, and now we would like your feedback to help us improve it further and ensure the strategy best meets the needs of our local communities.”

The public consultation closes on Sunday 7 July 2024.

Find out more and have your say by visiting: tinyurl.com/Cycling-Strategy.