Draft Active Travel Strategy Consultation
9. Partnership working
9.1 The authority is collaborating with a range of organisations and interest groups in pursuing its objectives in relation to walking and cycling.
Town and Parish Councils
9.2 The authority encourages town and parish councils to flag issues on highways and paths within their localities and to encourage residents to participate whenever information and comments are sought through public surveys and consultations.
Neighbouring authorities
9.3 Central Bedfordshire Council works collaboratively with national and regional agencies and with all eleven of its neighbouring authorities on interconnecting routes and promoted cross-boundary rights of way. The National Cycle Network, the National Byway, Greensand Walk, Greensand Cycleway and Icknield Way are examples. There is also a structured liaison on new developments that have cross-authority implications. For example, the development of additional passenger capacity at Luton airport which has the potential to generate a significant increase in cross-boundary travel.
Cycling and walking groups, clubs and forums
9.4 In the past the Council has arranged opportunities for various interested groups and organisations to meet and collaborate, extending invitations to representatives who have a role in actively promoting walking and cycling. This includes organisations such as Sustrans, Cycling UK, British Cycling, Ramblers, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity and The Greensand Trust. Officers of the council also accept invitations to attend meetings of local cycling and walking clubs, groups and forums. This activity will continue, time and resources allowing.
Local Access Forum
9.5 The Central Bedfordshire Local Access Forum is consulted on all plans that affect the legal status of existing Public Rights of Way and on proposals to change existing or create new public access rights.
Landowners and developers
9.6 The authority strives to ensure its aspirations for the quality and connectivity of pedestrian and cycle infrastructure is reflected in masterplans and applications for development. As proposals come forward, care is afforded to ensure these reflect the Council's 'Planning Design' and 'Highway Standards and Specifications' guidance documents. The authority also encourages landowners to be proactive in ensuring users of the public highway, roads and paths, can do so safely and without undue interference or obstruction.
