FAQs

Our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) outlines the key improvements we have identified to make walking and cycling easier and safer for everyone in the borough. 

 By encouraging an increase in the use of these active travel options, we can in turn help to improve public health, reduce air pollution, ease traffic congestion and support the most vulnerable residents in our communities.

The best way to achieve this is by ensuring everyone has access to safe, reliable routes for walking and cycling.  The LCWIP identifies areas where we need to expand and improve the network, so more people have an opportunity to choose these sustainable forms of travel.

This consultation gives you an opportunity to provide your thoughts on our scheme proposals. We would welcome any general feedback you have on the LCWIP, as well as any more detailed suggestions or comments you may have on certain locations in the borough.

Encouraging more people to travel by foot or bike benefits everyone, by improving:

Health

Inactivity has been linked to obesity, heart disease, depression, and diabetes. Allowing more people to get movement and exercise into their daily lifestyle routine naturally helps fight against these.

Air quality

Vehicle traffic is still a leading contributor to poor air quality.   The more journeys that switch to walking and cycling, the lower the impact on the borough’s air quality. 

Congestion

The best solution to traffic congestion is to attract people out of cars and use more efficient modes of transport such as walking, cycling or using the public transport network. This frees up road space for those that must use their cars.

Decarbonisation

Cars alone account for 16% of the UK’s total annual emissions.  The fewer journeys made by cars would help to fulfil national net zero objectives.

Safety

The more infrastructure that can safely separate pedestrians or cyclists from motor traffic, the safer it is for everyone. Pedestrians and cyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users in the borough.

Economy

Encouraging and enabling more local journeys by improving infrastructure has been shown to increase the ability people can spend in their neighbourhoods – as well as improving their ability to get to and from Swindon town centre.

Equality

Whilst household access to a car or van across the borough is above the national average, there are parts of Swindon where this figure falls below this benchmark.  Enhancing access to a means of minimal or zero cost travel increases their access to opportunities and services without the expense of owning or maintaining a private vehicle.

The LCWIP is referenced in the corporate Swindon Plan with this document highlighting "our aspiration is to implement the LCWIP and create a comprehensive network of safe and convenient routes throughout the borough."

 The LCWIP contributes towards all three of the missions in the Swindon Plan:

• Build a Fairer Swindon:
  1. The LCWIP supports the outcomes of a Fairer Swindon by creating an inclusive and fair Swindon and improving health and well-being

• Build a Better Swindon:
  1. Keep Swindon moving: Enhance active travel

• Build a Greener Swindon:
  1. Greener planning and transport: Enable a lower carbon Swindon through planning and travel

You can respond to the formal consultation between 28 November 2025 to 20 February 2026.  

The necessary documents and an online survey form can be found via the links on this webpage.

By taking part in our survey, you can share your views on current routes, suggest improvements and help us prioritise changes that will make a real difference.

Your feedback will help us shape the final version of the Swindon LCWIP update and support the needs of the communities in borough.  This will help also fulfil the objectives of the Swindon Plan to achieve a Fairer, Better and a Greener Swindon.

All responses are anonymous.  The information you provide will ensure we have a diverse and representative range of opinions from across Swindon.

Please complete the online survey or send us any correspondence by 20 February 2026.  You can also respond by email to transportplannning@swindon.gov.uk or in writing to:

Transport Planning
Swindon Borough Councill
Wat Tyler House
Beckhampton Street
Swindon
SN1 2JG