CHELMSFORD is gearing up to get more people cycling as an improved cycle network is developed for the city and a new cycle network map is launched by Essex County Council.

The Chelmsford City Local Highways Panel has so far allocated £487,000 which is 20 percent of their total budget over the last three years, and is funding 14 schemes across Chelmsford.

A number of improvements have already been made to the cycle route network in the city such as at Kingshead Walk, Odeon subway and improving access to Chelmer Village Retail Park. Over 18 miles of new cycle network is in the pipeline.

Cycling improvements are also being funded as part of new developments and other road schemes. A major boost has been provided by the Cyclepoint facilities at Chelmsford train station provided by Greater Anglia.

Chairman of the Chelmsford City Local Highways Panel, and Chelmsford Council leader Councillor Roy Whitehead said: “We are pleased to be making things easier for people to travel by bike and are looking forward to getting these schemes completed.

“I hope that the introduction of new cycle parking in the city centre, access improvements and initiatives by Chelmsford Council will help existing cyclists as well as encourage more people to cycle.”

The council has been championing cycling and recently supported the national campaign Cycle to Work Day which saw 60 staff cycling in on the day. The council’s Travel Plan team have also teamed up with CTC, the national cycling charity, and have promoted guided rides for council staff.

A new campaign called WoMEn Time is being introduced by the council to encourage women to get back into sport and is providing ladies who feel less confident cycling with a new cycle confidence course in October.

In addition the council has supported a programme of twice weekly supervised cycle rides and accompanied children are welcome. The rides run on a Thursday morning and Saturday afternoon.

More details can be found at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/cycling. There are also numerous cycling related activities run by the Community Sport and Wellbeing Team during the school holidays.