News : Morecambe Promenade cycle route scoops national transport award

Morecambe Promenade has scooped a prestigious award for the difference it has made to cycling in the district.

The National Transport Awards which recognise projects that make a real difference to transport across the country awarded Morecambe Promenade first prize in this year’s cycling improvements category sponsored by the Department for Transport. 

The award, submitted jointly by Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council puts the area in the national spotlight and provides inspiration for other towns seeking to improve cycling facilities.

Since ancient promenade byelaws were lifted by Lancaster City Council in April 2007,  cyclists can enjoy five miles of safe cycling and unrivalled views.  This and further improvements carried out by the council’s Cycling Demonstration Town (CDT) Project Team to extend the route pipped other transport projects at the post.

New links have been established from the promenade at Bay Cottages to Knowlys Road, Heysham and along Central Drive to the Lancaster to Morecambe cycle path.  Another link from the eastern end of the promenade to Lancaster Canal at Hest Bank has opened up a new 11 mile off-road circular route linking Hest Bank with Lancaster and Morecambe. 

Kerbing and paving works have been undertaken at several access points along the promenade in addition to new directional signs.

In June this year alone, the promenade saw an average of 376 cyclists using the route each day, peaking at a massive 725 cyclists on one single day.

Coun Jon Barry, Lancaster City Council’s Cabinet member for the environment said: “It’s wonderful news that the effort that’s gone into improving and extending Morecambe Promenade for cyclists has received such high recognition.  The promenade has become an integral part of the district’s 50 miles of off-road cycling and the increase in its popularity year on year is a reassuring sign that more and more people are using it to reap the healthy benefits for both themselves and the environment".

County Councillor Keith Young, Lancashire County Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport said:  "This award is an excellent reward for all the hard work done by the county and district councils.  Morecambe is clearly setting an example for other towns in the country to follow."

The National Transport Awards are held in association with Transport Times magazine and supported by the Department for Transport and the Local Transport Planning Network