Sustainable transport

Transport is responsible for a large amount of the carbon emissions, both in Plymouth and across the UK. The Council is looking at sustainable transport options as a way of reducing the carbon footprint of this sector. Sustainable Transport includes:

• Walking
• Cycling
• Public transport
• Car clubs
• Car sharing
• Eco driving
• Low carbon vehicles

Its purpose is to reduce the environmental impact of more carbon intensive travel by offering people an alternative method of travel which is more sustainable.

Plymouth's Local Transport Plan covers the period from 2006 to 2011, and outlines what will be put in place to help us reduce the carbon footprint. We need to encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport for frequent, short journeys, such as travelling to work or to the shops. Within the Plan there are a number of key schemes and initiatives:

Cycling Strategy

This strategy sets out to increase the number of people cycling throughout the city over the next fifteen years, promoting cycling as a smarter choice for commuting, health and leisure also helps to reduce carbon emissions.

Visit our Cycling Strategy page.

Pedestrian Strategy

The Pedestrian Strategy is based around increasing total number of footway links and improving the condition of footways, as well as making these safer and more accessible, and promoting walking as a healthy lifestyle choice. This will encourage more people to walk rather than take their cars, and has the added benefit of helping the Council achieve its carbon reduction targets.

Visit our Pedestrian Strategy page.

Strategic Cycle Network

Plymouth adopted the Strategic Cycle Network (SCN) in December 2009. It was developed by Council officers working closely with the Cycle Touring Club, the University of Plymouth, Plymouth Cycle Forum and Velo Club Plymouth. The network is to be made up of routes, cycle paths and lanes, designed for both experienced and non-experienced cyclists.

Visit our Strategic cycle network page.

A map showing Plymouth's strategic cycle network routes is below.