Why we are doing this?
- Makes it safer for people to walk and cycle in the area, helping to reduce pollution.
- Makes it easier for people to get about who don’t have access to a car.
- It will speed up journey times for those travelling by car or public transport.
- It allows for better infrastructure in an area with upcoming developments that are creating new jobs for local people.
How will it improve safety?
Segregated cycle and walking paths will make it safer for people choosing active travel, keeping them further away from traffic.
Improved crossings at junctions will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the busy roads.
Improved safe routes will benefit all, from those traveling to schools and nurseries to those travelling for leisure or work.
Accessibility and connectivity
By creating a segregated footpath and cycleway, it is easier and safer for people to walk, wheel, and cycle along the Maritime Corridor.
The cycleway aims to connect to other cycle routes in the area, creating a safe continuous active travel route, from Sefton through to Liverpool.
As part of levelling up in the city region, linking up current active travel networks allow people to travel more sustainably for work, shopping and leisure activities, and supports the wider economy.
66% of trips in Merseyside being less than 5km, and half of those trips are made by car. Creating connected cycle infrastructure encourages people to choose to cycle rather than take the car, reducing car trips in the area and reducing pollution.
How will it improve journey times?
Improving junctions will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross, as well as reduce the chance of traffic accidents. This will also improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
The improvements will make journey times more reliable and quicker, as motorists are less likely to be stuck in traffic.
Why here?
Around the Maritime Corridor Scheme are local primary and secondary schools, nurseries, residential areas, leisure opportunities and businesses including Atlantic Park.
The Maritime Corridor Scheme is part of a wider area of development with Atlantic Park, which will see the creation of many jobs. Creating improved junctions and active travel routes creates infrastructure where needed.
There is a link between economic growth and good transport provision and accessibility. Places with high quality, reliable infrastructure enables people, goods and services to move quickly and efficiently and this supports future and growth.
In the surrounding area, around half of households do not have access to a car. The scheme will create safe, accessible, and nicer ways of traveling around the area.
Near the scheme are multiple schools. Safe active travel routes benefit young people traveling to school, especially independently.
Why add cycle lanes?
Research in the UK and internationally shows that creating segregated cycle lanes, including improved junctions, is the most important step in promoting an uptake in bike use.
Cycling is a great way to travel, and active travel can help prevent and manage over 20 chronic diseases and illnesses.
Cycling to school is a popular way of traveling to school. Only 19% of young people in the nearby North Park area surveyed wanted to travel by car to school, with 77% wanting to wheel or cycle to school.
Choosing to make journeys either by walking, wheeling or cycling has health benefits and environmental benefits, helping us improve air quality and helps us reach our goal for net zero by 2030.