RSS Press releases

Increasing walking and cycling is a priority for Dumfries and Galloway Council, and we want to strive for better places and infrastructure along with healthy lifestyles in Dumfries and Galloway. That is why we’re refreshing our Active Travel Strategy which will set the framework for a delivery plan in the next 5 years.

The Active Travel Strategy 2022-2027 will build on the progress from the previous strategy and incorporate recent data to better picture the actions that will be required to improve the uptake of active travel and enhance the state of infrastructure across the region. The Strategy will also help us shape our goals and align with national aims to decarbonise transport and achieve the vision towards compact and sustainable communities. This will have an emphasis on the delivery of projects and initiatives, researching and monitoring the progress of actions, and the development of stronger partnerships with key stakeholders.

 Place-based approaches will be at the forefront of the strategy, which aims to better align the Council’s initiatives with those led by communities and local groups with an interest in making an active region together, on our journey to net zero.

 Your input is vital to developing the Strategy, that is why communities throughout Dumfries and Galloway are encouraged to have their say. The public consultation started in January with key stakeholders, followed by an online survey which will be open until the 27 February.

You can find the survey at https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/consultations. Community Conversations will take place during the second week of February, starting with online session from Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 February.

 Ward Officers will be available to talk in person in drop-ins on 14 February, and you will also be able to collect and fill out paper copies of the survey in Customer Service Centres if you cannot make it online. You do not require registration to participate in any of the events. For more information and details, go to https://www.dumgal.gov.uk/consultations

 Cllr Andy Ferguson, Chairman of Communities Committee commented:

 “The new Active Travel Strategy for Dumfries and Galloway is based on the need to work closely with partners and local communities to come up with impactful and feasible solutions for our region. An Active Travel Team has been set up within the Network and Strategy and Road Safety Team of the Road Services of the Council, integrating the support from Sustrans, Swestrans, and the Council. But there is no team without the people's involvement and engagement, so we invite all sectors of the community to take part in the consultation."

 Cllr John Martin, Vice-Chairman of Communities Committee said:

 "The Strategy will align our local perspectives with that of the national level, always keeping in mind that our priorities are to work with and for Dumfries and Galloway's people. This strategy will help us understand the benefits of active and sustainable travel for establishing healthier and greener communities within our region, so we invite communities across all towns and villages to participate.”