Cornwall Cycle Strategy 2007

Executive Summary

The cycle strategy, ‘Delivering Cycling in Cornwall to 2011’ is a supporting strategy which has been created within the framework of Cornwall’s Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 (LTP2). 

The cycle strategy helps to support the following aims of the LTP2:

Transport Aim 1

Improve access to key services and facilities in Cornwall.


  • Improve access to work, healthcare, education, food shops and recreation to meet local needs by providing travel choice and reducing the need to travel, thereby supporting individual well being.


Transport Aim 2

Improve local safety for all who travel in Cornwall.


  • Support local communities by reducing the number and severity of road accidents for all road users

  • Address the fear of crime, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists and users of public transport.

Transport Aim 3

Reduce the growth of traffic congestion and transport related air pollution and improve public transport in Cornwall.


  • Manage, maintain and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the transport network.

  • Provide opportunities for travel choice.

  • Influence travel behaviour by raising awareness of the impact of transport on the environment and the health benefits of walking and cycling.



Transport Aim 4

Provide and maintain an integrated transport network that contributes towards the development of a vibrant and successful Cornish economy and regeneration.


  • Deliver transport improvements to support land use and regeneration strategies for the key Cornish towns.

  • Deliver transport improvements to support the County’s economic strategy, including addressing the issue of Cornwall’s connectivity.

Transport Aim 5

Reduce the impact of transport on Cornwall’s natural, historic and built environment.


  • Conserve and enhance the natural and historic environment by minimising the impacts of transport wherever possible through appropriate maintenance and design practices.

  • Conserve Cornwall’s local distinctiveness by assisting in the delivery of sustainable tourism.

  • Reduce traffic related air and noise pollution.

  • Manage traffic related climate changing emissions.

The cycle strategy is intended to augment the policies in the LTP2, providing more detail and, in some cases, outlining strategies for implementation.


A deliverable cycle strategy is a key element to forming part of a sustainable transport network.


To date, Cornwall has seen a significant increase in the number of cyclists using the off-road sections of the trails. Such cyclists are often classified as ‘leisure’ cyclists although recent surveys suggest a small percentage of trail users are actually commuting or fulfilling a ‘utility’ based trip rather than driving.


Despite this, the first three Annual Progress Reports (APRs 2001-2003) indicated a decline in the number of people cycling in Cornwall. It was therefore thought that the number of people cycling for utility purposes, particularly on the highway could be in decline.


APRs 2004 and 2005 have shown a welcome increase in cycling rising to 5% and 11% respectively, above the 1996 baseline. This gives no cause for complacency however, and it is strongly advised that adherence to the strategy continues and that it is used as a tool in delivering quality cycle measures in Cornwall to ensure the levels of cycling continue to increase in support of the five LTP2 transport aims.