A network of cycle friendly routes in and around Redruth is being proposed by Cornwall Council and local residents are being urged to have their say.

As part of the project, some pavements will need to be widened and converted for the use of cycles as well as pedestrians. A number of signal-controlled Toucan crossing are also proposed to help cyclists and pedestrians cross busy roads and speed limits and speed cushions are proposed for certain streets.

Cornwall Council engineer, Mike Tongue, said: “There are presently few cycle specific facilities in and around Redruth, particularly of use for frequent functional journeys such as home to work, home to school and college and trips to the shops.

“It is proposed to improve the situation by providing a network of cycle friendly routes which will encourage cycling, particularly for journeys within the town and immediate surroundings which are like to be less than five miles long.

“Increased use of bikes will reduce reliance on the private car, leading to a more pleasant urban environment with reduced noise and improved air quality. It will also improve fitness and health for the bike rider.”

There are nine separate schemes proposed which cover areas such as Blowing House roundabout, Barncoose Terrace, the Cardrew Industrial Estate, Tolgus Vean and Chapel Street and Close Hill to Treleigh.

Full details of the scheme can be found on Cornwall Council’s website and residents/cyclists have until April 18 to make any comments on the proposals. This can be done by visiting www.cornwall.gov.uk/TrafficConsult.