Drivers could encounter more 20mph speed limits under new guidance aimed at prioritising cyclists and pedestrians. Active Travel England has published a new Rural Design Guide that encourages councils to consider lowering speed limits, redesigning roads, and creating new walking and cycling routes in rural areas.
Guidance Aims to Improve Rural Active Travel
The guide focuses on rural communities, which often face fewer transport options and longer distances to services. It emphasises that walking, wheeling, and cycling routes must be safe, direct, and well connected. Labour Party Minister for Local Transport Lilian Greenwood announced the guidance's publication during her keynote speech at the Active County Conference in Cambridge.
While local authorities are not legally required to follow this guide, it contains clear technical advice and examples to help them provide high-quality active travel routes tailored to the unique requirements of villages, small market towns, and the countryside.
National Commissioner Highlights Importance of Rural Routes
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said: "Many towns and cities are well on the way to creating safe and attractive active travel options, but our mission extends beyond major conurbations. Everyone in England deserves safe, cheap, healthy travel choices."
Boardman added: "With the publication of this Rural Design Guide, we're supporting authorities to develop infrastructure that works best for local people. Our aim is to help councils build safe and appealing routes that not only enable more everyday active journeys but also help them make the most of our wonderful countryside."
Minister Emphasises Health and Opportunity Benefits
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: "We know it's absolutely vital to give people in rural areas as many options as possible for travelling, which is why I was delighted to announce this new guidance at the Active County Conference earlier today."
She continued: "By giving local authorities straightforward advice to deliver walking and cycling routes which are practical, safe and accessible, we are not just connecting the residents of hamlets, villages and towns with more opportunities but encouraging healthier options too."
The guidance is part of a broader government push to promote active travel, reduce car dependency, and improve public health and air quality in rural areas.
