A SERIES of paths designed to keep cyclists safe could be coming to Barrow as part of new proposals.

Cumbria County Council has launched a consultation asking for people’s feedback to help shape the plans, which aim to improve the infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

The town- alongside Kendal and Carlisle- is one of the first to undergo consultation for the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.

In Barrow, proposals include segregated cycleways, pedestrian crossings and junction improvements for both cyclists and pedestrians on Bridge Road and Michaelson Road, which would be funded by £886,000 grant from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund.

Strategic cycle routes could also be implemented along key routes in the town, focusing on Abbey Road, Roose Road and Walney Road as part of The Brilliant Barrow Town Deal funding.

Also proposed are segregated cycleways into the town centre, to Dalton and to the coast.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Cycling and walking have many benefits, not just for our mental and physical wellbeing but also for improving air quality, reducing congestion and making our towns more vibrant.

“During the pandemic we’ve seen an upturn in cycling and walking for exercise and safe travel. With the Covid-19 restrictions starting to ease and more people returning to work, we are looking at measures to support this shift towards more active travel.

“To help develop our proposals, we are inviting the public to give us their views on the proposed routes. Identification of improvements will follow, taking account of the feedback we receive, and we will consult further on those later this year.

“We are initially consulting on proposals for Barrow-in-Furness, Carlisle and Kendal, and will be launching consultations for other towns in Cumbria in due course.”

People are invited to give their comments on existing cycling and walking infrastructure, as well as on where improvements could be made by completing an online survey, which will run until Friday May 28.

People can find out more about the schemes and proposals and complete the survey on the county council website at www.cumbria.gov.uk/cyclingandwalking