Plan backed to encourage more walking and cycling

The aim is to provide better links between different modes of travel in Worcester

Worcester City Council has approved a plan to encourage more people to walk and cycle rather than use their cars.

The place and economic development committee gave the Active Travel Action Plan the green light on Monday, which will be implemented over the coming three years.

The local authority's previous plan introduced the Beryl bike scheme, which saw about 52,000 cycle journeys in the city in the past year.

"This plan is about making walking, wheeling, and cycling viable and attractive travel choices in Worcester, particularly for shorter journeys," said councillor Robyn Norfolk, chair of the committee.

"The previous Active Travel Plan has shown how a project like the Beryl bikes can encourage active travel across our city."

She said it would form part of a wider plan for Worcester, with the aim of making it a "healthy and active city".

Proposals include a mobility hub being set up in the Arches walkway at Foregate Street. It would be home to a range of sustainable transport options, the council said.

The new walkway links the train station, the Hive and the Riverside, and would have secure parking, as well as a Beryl bike bay.

The aim is to provide links between different modes of travel in the city centre.