Policy information sourced from the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.

ST11.4: A Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Improvement Town

New development will be supported where it will contribute towards achieving a modal shift and make walking and cycling a convenient and efficient way to access local destinations. To be integrated into the adjacent and strategic walking and cycling network, proposals should demonstrate how they have prioritised walking and cycling through the provision of on site infrastructure including cycle parking facilities, wayfinding measures and good design for safety and security. Major developments should contribute towards the delivery of significantly improved walking and cycling routes to key destinations, prior to first occupancy, where viable.

Walking

Developments should be permeable and safe to walk through, including high quality footways and pedestrian crossings, adequate lighting and signposting. They should facilitate or deliver the links required to connect to existing and proposed walking routes as well as local amenities and public transport. Developments adjacent to the borough’s walking routes, as identified in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, will be expected to accommodate them through allocating space and supporting off site contributions.

Cycling

Developments will encourage people to cycle by providing an urban environment that is accessible and safe for all cycle trips. This requires high quality cycle routes that are segregated, unless both traffic flows and speeds are low. These routes should connect to local amenities, transport interchanges and the existing and proposed cycle network, as set out in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. Developments adjacent to existing and new cycle routes will be expected to facilitate and deliver these links through allocating space and contributing to infrastructure improvements.

Cycle parking

All development proposals will be required to provide on site cycle parking facilities in line with the cycle parking standards detailed in Appendix D. Secure and convenient cycle parking facilities should be designed at the outset of the scheme. Should the standards for visitor cycle parking mean a requirement in excess of ten spaces, part of this provision can be replaced with a contribution to publicly accessible bike share bays in a suitable location nearby, further detail on this is provided in Appendix D.

For more information, please see the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.