PLANS to encourage more people in the borough to get on their bikes are moving forward after the Brentwood Cycle Strategy was revealed.

As part of the strategy, £85,000 has already been ear marked by the Brentwood Local Highways Panel to turn proposals such as increased signage and new routes into a reality.

The strategy, which was presented to members of the panel recently, will now be looked at in more detail and further recommendations made before being signed off, likely in the new year.

The main objectives of the strategy are to increase the levels of cycling within Brentwood, which would in turn reduce congestion and promote a healthier lifestyle.

To do this it suggests creating a high quality network on key routes, improve and increase access and parking at the borough’s train stations and to promote cycling more often locally.

The strategy also suggests cycling be key in any developments of places such as the High Street, Wilsons Corner and increased parking when Crossrail comes to town.

Proposed new cycle routes include Costead Manor Road, Pilgrims Hatch through to William Hunter Way to take in cut through roads and a route between Brentwood and Shenfield High Street using Shenfield Road.

Councillor David Kendall, who chairs the panel, said the council is determined to see through the delivery of the strategy and explore any new funding opportunities.

He said: “We want to encourage more of our residents young and old to take up cycling by improving the cycling infrastructure and providing more cycle parking facilities across the borough. In the past a lack of funding has proved a major stumbling block in developing previous plans and cycling has not been given the priority it should have had under the previous administration.

“ It will take time to deliver the safer cycling environment and facilities we all want to see but I hope there will be a cross party commitment to deliver this important objective for the residents of our borough".