Blackpool
Blackpool’s economy is dominated by tourism: with a population of 142,000, it receives 10 million visitors per year, and ambitious regeneration plans are afoot to transform the popular seaside town into a world-class resort. The Cycling Towns programme aims to help Blackpool meet the challenge of the modern leisure market’s needs, by making cycling an essential part of its tourism offer.
Blackpool currently has some of the lowest levels of adult participation in sport and physical activity in the country, with concentrations of extreme socio-economic deprivation. Car ownership is low, and Blackpool’s largely flat terrain and urban layout enable most local trips to be achieved by a short bike ride.
Historically, Blackpool’s infrastructure has been geared to accommodate large volumes of tourism traffic, with the promenade in particular in need of improvements. The Cycling Towns programme will transform the seafront area from a heavily trafficked distributor road into a pleasant walking and cycling environment, providing leisure cycling areas and a cycle hire scheme. Three ‘inland piers’ will also be created, providing links to many key destinations for visitors and local people.
Blackpool hopes to be the first Cycling Town to launch a town-wide cycle hire scheme; plans are underway for a scheme that will make 500 bikes available for hire. In addition, the programme will develop a BMX and cycle track, offer adult cycle training and deliver an exciting series of cycle events through the summer and autumn.
For more information visit http://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Services/A-F/Cycling/Home.htm
