The Falmouth and Penryn Walking and Cycling Campaign says it wants to see more action by Cornwall Council to improve provision for walkers and cyclists in the area.

At a recent meeting they agreed to write to the newly appointed Connor Donnithorne Portfolio Holder for Transport to raise the issue.

The group says that in the Local Transport Plan, Cornwall Council states that it aims to reduce motor vehicle usage for short journeys under 5km by 50%, as part of the wider target of being carbon neutral by 2030.

It says road transport contributes around 27% of Cornwall’s carbon footprint. There is a recognition that this will mean fewer motor vehicles on our roads. However, the provision of safe segregated cycle routes in the urban areas of Falmouth and Penryn is hindered by the width of existing roads and pavements.

Dean Evans, who started the campaign group in 2020, said that if the Cornwall Council intends to meet its ambitious target then we should be seeing more local schemes being put into place.

“2030 is just around the corner,” he said. “To its credit, Cornwall Council is rolling out 20 mph across all our towns and villages, and this is, I believe, the single most cost effective action that can be taken to make our urban and village roads safer.

"But we need to do more if we want to increase the number of people, especially children, who cycle regularly. We have set out five challenges for the Council”.

In their email the group have asked the council to create and implement a plan to develop a number of Low Traffic Urban Neighbourhoods to "significantly reducing overall traffic levels, increasing walking, wheeling and cycling, improving air quality, and reducing casualties". 

Develop and implement the Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan, extending it to include routes to neighbouring villages. Remove physical barriers on existing cycle paths. Provide additional signage to make drivers aware of the presence, and needs, of cyclists.

Reduce the extent of on street parking, providing more space for safe cycling. Control pavement parking, which hinders safe routes for pedestrians. Use a proportion of car park charges to fund increased active travel infrastructure.

Provide for the secure storage of cycles in shopping areas, town centres and employment areas. More people will be encouraged to cycle to work if there are secure areas to leave bicycles.

Publish an annual report on progress in the above.

You can learn more about the Campaign by visiting the group's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/falpencc