HOW could the experience of walking and cycling be improved?

Residents and visitors are being urged to help shape new plans by putting forward their views for a Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan, or LCWIP for short.

LCWIPs are strategic plans that identify key routes and zones where changes to the infrastructure or the implementation of more walking and cycling friendly policies can provide higher quality, safer environments for people to get around on foot, wheelchair, mobility scooter and bike.

People can help improve walking and cycling street design in the Cowes, Northwood, Gurnard, East Cowes and Whippingham areas.

Cowes Town Council, Northwood Parish Council and Gurnard Parish Council have come together to commission a survey, and the project is being facilitated by Cowes-based sustainable travel consultancy People Powered CIC.

Will Ainslie, director at People Powered, said: “Local people are the experts on their area — what’s good, what’s bad, what are the issues that prevent them from walking and cycling and how they’d like to see things made better.

"Be it wider pavements, dedicated cycle tracks, improved crossings on certain junctions, slower traffic speeds…this is a great opportunity for people to contribute their views and we want as many people as possible to get involved.”

People Powered have set up an interactive map of the area to make it easy for people to indicate what improvements they’d like to see.

The map is available at yourviews.org.uk until January 31.

Details of open evenings can be found at people-powered.uk/LCWIP

Comments can also be sent to: lcwip@people-powered.uk or by post to LCWIP, Cowes Town Council, Northwood House, Ward Avenue, Cowes, PO31 8AZ.

In East Cowes and Whippingham, an online survey has been commissioned by East Cowes Town Council and Whippingham Parish Council.

It can be completed at https://secure.journeysurveys.com/answer/1558

There are public consultation meetings taking place soon.

Contact your town or parish council if you would like to take part.