PILOT studies are under way to develop road and walking networks for both local people and visitors to the Forest of Bowland.

The studies, commissioned by Lancashire County Council, are being undertaken by JMP Consultants and Transport for Leisure (TFL), and will eventually form the basis of a blueprint for developing 'quiet roads and greenway' routes throughout the Forest and in other parts of the county.

Initially, two local area networks of these routes are to be developed involving extensive consultation on local walks, rides and traffic routes centred on the villages of Slaidburn and Chipping.

The pilot studies follow a feasibility study carried out in the Forest area by JMP and TFL for the Countryside Agency two years ago, the objective of which was to identify routes that would enable walkers, cyclists, horse riders and disabled people to enjoy the benefits of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

At the same time, the network would provide local communities with access to their footpath and bridalway networks, allowing them to walk, cycle or even ride in safety to school, work, and on some shopping and business trips.

Lancashire County Council has accepted a recommendation from the initial study that the suggested strategic and local area networks should be included within its five-year Local Transport Plan.

This was approved by the Government last December, and will finance implementation of the two pilot projects over the next two to three years.

Quiet roads and greenways are a Countryside Agency initiative, with the aim of quiet roads to make minor country lanes more attractive by helping people without vehicles to share the road with those who do, and enjoy the journey at a relaxing pace. Such roads will already have low traffic flows and speeds, with a bid to reduce them further.

Greenways are predominantly local, traffic-free, off-road routes linking open spaces and other facilities in and around towns and the countryside.

JMP and TFL are due to report on the outcome in February 2002.