Details have been revealed of how changes could be made to more than 20 of Norfolk's towns and villages to encourage people to walk and get on their bikes.
Bosses at Norfolk County Council are drawing up a countywide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan - which could see major changes in communities across the county.
The purpose of the plan is to get more people cycling and walking, improving their health at the same time as helping reduce reliance on cars.
Maps have been unveiled showing how the council wants to make improvements in the towns and villages it has identified - Acle, Attleborough, Aylsham, Cromer, Dereham, Diss, Downham Market, Fakenham, Harleston, Wymondham, Hethersett, Holt, Hunstanton, Heacham, Long Stratton, North Walsham, Reepham, Sheringham, Swaffham, Thetford, Watton, Wroxham, Hoveton, and Wymondham.
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Those maps focus on each of the towns and settlements, outlining specific routes where changes and improvements could be made.
The idea is that, by defining those routes, they can be prioritised for future investment on schemes such as new cycle lanes, footpaths and pedestrian crossings.
For instance, in Attleborough - a town where thousands of new homes are planned - the network aims to create a route from London Road to Norwich Road, connecting existing residential areas with central services, employment areas and places of education.
And in Fakenham, where 950 homes are planned to the north of the town, one of the proposed routes would link that to the town centre, schools and places of work.
Identifying what the council describes as Active Travel routes will also mean councils have more powers to ensure new housing and business developments include appropriate provision for cycling.
Each of the proposed networks consists of priority routes which could connect people
with places of employment, training, education, central services, public transport and
green spaces, now and in the future.
Potential walking zone areas have also been identified in each of the towns.
Walking zones are areas where the priority is to enable people to walk, although council bosses stress that might not necessarily be areas exclusively given over the pedestrians.
READ MORE: Norwich people feel UK roads aren't safe for cycling
They say such schemes might include increasing or improving road crossings, widening pavements, resurfacing uneven pavements or slowing traffic speeds.
The council says walking or cycling regularly can help to prevent and manage illnesses such as some cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression.
Lana Hempsall, the Conservative-controlled council's deputy cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "This is a great opportunity for residents to have their say and help shape the future of cycling and walking infrastructure in their local area and across the county.
"The feedback we get will be used to prioritise the short, medium, and long-term infrastructure schemes and the plan will be vital in helping Norfolk County Council to secure funding from the government to bring the plans to life.
"I encourage everyone to look at the plan and have a say on the proposals."
Work has already been carried out in the county’s three largest settlements Norwich, King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth.
HAVE YOUR SAY
An online survey over the plan - focusing on each of the locations - has been launched and will run for eight weeks. It is at www.norfolk.gov.uk/activetravel
A series of events will also be held, where people can speak to council officers about the plans:
Oddfellows Hall in Sheringham on Monday, May 22 (12.30pm to 6.30pm)
Long Stratton leisure centre on Tuesday, May 23 (12.30pm to 6.30pm)
Oasis Hunstanton on Wednesday, May 24 (12.30pm to 6.30pm)
Dereham Library on Thursday, May 25 (1.30pm to 6.30pm)
Thetford/Breckland leisure centre on Tuesday, May 30 (midday to 5.30pm)
Wymondham Library on Wednesday, May 31 (12.30pm to 6.30pm)
Wroxham Library on Friday, June 2 (12.30pm to 6.30pm)
Royal Norfolk Show – June 28 and 29
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