Over 500 residents braved the prospect of foul weather on Sunday to show their support for a safe cycle and pedestrian route between Saffron Walden and Audley End station.
James Savage, spokesman for event organisers Access Walden, said: “Many of the more than 500 children and adults who came to ride and walk this lovely country lane said how great it was to have somewhere safe to take their children or go themselves, and that if there was a path segregated from vehicles along that route they would use it regularly.”
The event was attended by Cllr Alastair Walters, Uttlesford District Council’s cabinet member for Community safety whose portfolio includes the Uttlesford Local Highway Panel which he chairs.
He said: “Having walked the proposed Wenden Road cycle path route on Sunday in both directions, it is very important to me that the final design provides adequate safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
“Cycle path schemes are being actively promoted by the Coalition Government to encourage people into more active modes of transport, and this is supported by the Uttlesford Local Highways Panel who are funding the design cost of this scheme.
“Judging by the number of children present on Sunday the introduction of a safe cycle path will be popular with local families as well as those who travel during the week to Audley End station.”
Saffron Walden’s Essex county councillor John Lodge reiterated the need to address people’s safety concerns in the pathway. He said: “People have told me their fear of being hit by a car or other vehicle is what stops them cycling or walking along Wenden Road. Only with a cycle/footpath clearly segregated from motor vehicles will people feel sufficiently reassured it is safe to walk or cycle along Wenden Road.”
Sunday’s event included a mock-up of what a segregated path in the highway would look like and an opportunity for kids to win a go-kart in a fun time-trial.
ECC is holding a meeting with local stakeholders next week to present their latest design before a public consultation.
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