Many Hitchin residents have engaged with the Hertfordshire County Council consultation over the last few years that was focused on making the town easier to navigate without a car.

Hitchin Nub News checked in with the council to see where things are with what the authority describes as a "ambitious vision for enhancing sustainable travel options".

The good news is that despite pressure on its budget and a wider constitutional challenge that may see the biggest changes to local government in a decade, that "Hertfordshire County Council is committed to improving walking and cycling infrastructure across the county, and the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Hitchin".

The LCWIP identifies a network of priority routes, including key corridors such as Bedford Road, Walsworth Road, Grove Road, and Woolgrove Road, as well as connections to nearby towns and villages like Stevenage and Ickleford.

Rather than a fixed delivery programme, the LCWIP serves as a strategic framework, guiding investment and enabling the council to secure funding as opportunities arise.

Since the LCWIP's adoption the council have been actively progressing design work to develop these routes further, ensuring they are ready for implementation when funding becomes available. This includes working closely with other initiatives, such as the 20mph programme  and the Bus Service Improvement Plan, to create a more integrated and accessible transport network.

Regarding funding, contributions from housing developments (such as the one at Highover Farm), alongside other funding sources, could help bring forward improvements in key areas, supporting the council's long-term ambition to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle in Hitchin.

As the council told HNN - "We remain committed to working with partners and the local community to develop and deliver sustainable transport solutions that enhance connectivity and support efforts to reduce car dependency".

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