Residents and visitors in Falmouth and Penryn can find out more about walking and cycling routes in their local area with a map aimed at helping them to stay active and explore their community.

Produced by Cornwall Council, in partnership with Sustrans, the Falmouth and Penryn active travel map highlights traffic-free cycle routes and shared paths and also give an indication of how long it will take to walk or cycle. The map has recently been updated and includes proposed future cycle routes and other useful local information.

Nick Ratcliffe, Sustrans active travel officer, said “60% of car journeys made nationally are under two miles. Choosing to switch local journeys from engine to human powered helps to alleviate congestion, improve air quality as well as providing health benefits. The map provides a great way to discover alternative routes and to plan journeys so we can be more active whilst doing the right thing for the planet.”

Jayne Kirkham, Cornwall Councillor for Falmouth Penwerris, said ” Falmouth and Penryn are the youngest towns in Cornwall with our eight schools and thriving universities. Our population of all ages is already pretty active and visitors like to enjoy the town on foot or via our new e-bikes for hire on the Moor.

"When I first became a councillor I was surprised at how few people cycled. When the Falmouth Packet did a survey it was clear that it was safety more than the hills and the rain that were putting people off travelling those short distances on their bikes.

"This map will show people the best and safest routes to cycle as I know many people in the town are very keen to cycle more, particularly now electric bikes are becoming more popular, as well as the best routes to walk. The timings for journeys on the map will also prove very useful. We are hoping to make further improvements to make Falmouth and Penryn amongst the best towns in Cornwall to travel actively. “

Tamsyn Widdon, Cornwall Councillor for Penryn, said “With this updated map Penryn residents and visitors will find it easier to get out and enjoy our glorious surroundings. Combined with forthcoming improvements to cycling and walking paths, e-bike hire, bus route improvements and a 20mph speed limit in residential areas we are moving closer to a time when our town will not be dominated by cars.

"I hope people will make good use of the map and enjoy the benefits of getting up (and down) these hills, opes and lanes without burning CO2 to do so. Active travel and liveable streets plans will make it more pleasant for people to move around our town and surrounding areas, bringing health and economic benefits along too. A step (and wheel) in the right direction.”

Paper copies of the map will be available in due course, it can be downloaded now at www.cornwall.gov.uk/activetravel It can also be found on Falmouth and Penryn Town Council’s websites.

The webpage also contains helpful tips and resources for traveling actively. Active travel maps are also available for Bodmin; Camborne, Pool, Redruth and Illogan; Hayle, St Erth and St Ives; Saltash; St Austell, St Blazey and Par; and Truro.

A new map for Newquay is expected to be available later this year, in addition to a Truro update.