The National Cycle Network (NCN) will undergo a major review of its walking and cycling routes to ensure they meet the highest design standards and offer the best experience to the millions of families, commuters and tourists who use it every year.
Published: 23rd MAY 2018
Iconic National Cycle Network to undergo major makeover
The review will also help to identify new routes and missing links, as well as propose a long-term strategy for governance, funding, maintenance, promotion and mapping.
The NCN is a critical part of the UK’s active travel infrastructure and strategy, encouraging people to walk and cycle in a safe environment and providing important commuting access.
Every year, an estimated five million people use the Network, which totals over 16,000 miles* of traffic-free paths and on-road routes linking up villages, towns and cities from Cornwall to the Shetland Isles.
These trips save the economy more than £550 million by reducing levels of obesity. Holidays and days out on the Network generate £650 million and support 15,000 jobs. (Source: Sustrans, 2014)
As part of the review, Sustrans calls on governments and local authorities for dedicated and consistent investment in the development and maintenance of walking and cycling routes, including the NCN.
Xavier Brice, Sustrans’ CEO said: “Much of the existing National Cycle Network was designed to standards that have since been changed and improved. With this review, we want to further build on the success of the NCN and achieve a network of safe, fully accessible and high-quality routes and paths that will make walking and cycling easier for everyone, regardless of their age and abilities, and inspire a new generation to get on their bikes.
“Walking and cycling can hugely benefit public health and wellbeing, boost local economies and create greener local environments. The NCN plays a large role in achieving this, as it encourages active commuting and a healthy lifestyle, and contributes to economic growth. This is a reminder that governments at all levels need to prioritise dedicated and consistent investment for existing walking and cycling routes that will serve communities across the UK and generations for years to come.”
Sustrans is working with a number of partners to carry out the review, which is due to be published in September.
The Department for Transport, Transport Scotland, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Government have confirmed their support with a financial contribution towards the cost of the review.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “We want cycling to become a natural choice of transport for people of all ages and backgrounds.
“We are determined to make cycling and walking safer and easier across the country, and that’s why we have provided £83,900 towards the cost of this important review of the National Cycle Network which should lead to future upgrades for the families, commuters and tourists who use it every year.”
The National Cycle Network is an important and widely recognised public asset with around 2500 miles in Scotland alone, which incorporates beautiful scenic routes which residents and visitors can enjoy.
Richard Rutter, Policy, Research and Impact Unit Manager for the Canal and River Trust said: “The Canal and River Trust currently hosts 500 miles of the National Cycle Network on our towpaths.
"We are delighted to support the Review to understand how our 200-year-old towpaths, which already attract over 400 million visits each year and which are on the doorstep of eight million people, can attract even more people and help to deliver even greater wellbeing benefits in our fast-paced world.”
About the National Cycle Network (NCN)
- The NCN was established in 1995 after Sustrans won the first-ever grant from the Millennium Commission for £42.5 million to create a UK-wide network of convenient routes for walking and cycling.
- The NCN is mainly owned by local authorities and other landowners, including Network Rail, the Highways Agency, National Trust, Forestry Commission and Canal and River Trust.
- Sustrans owns 348 miles of the Network and is responsible for 80% of this land upkeep. Sustrans is also contracted to maintain land on behalf of some local authorities.
- A large number of volunteers, recruited and supported by Sustrans, help to look after routes on the NCN in their area.
- Sustrans relies on donations to maintain the NCN.
- A UK Advisory panel of the NCN Review includes: British Cycling, Cycling UK, the Canal and River Trust, Forestry Commission – England, Scottish Natural Heritage, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Highways England, National Trust, the Ramblers, Department for Transport, Transport Scotland, Welsh Government, Northern Ireland Government, Wheels for Wellbeing, Transport for London.
- Routes on the NCN will be reviewed according to the following criteria: surface quality; traffic-related safety; wayfinding and signage; flow; social safety; and place.