View from the Handlebars: New Local Plan is a golden opportunity to make Hull great for cycling
The first stage in a major new plan to shape how Hull develops up to 2045 is under way. And CycHull-ists can take part before August 26 to make sure that active travel is high on the agenda, writes Martyn E.
Brighter future - better cycling and walking infrastructure should be at the heart of Hull’s new Local PLan
A new Local Plan is under way in Hull – the blueprint that will shape development, transport, housing, and public spaces across the city until 2045. For anyone who believes that walking, cycling and wheeling are at the heart of creating safer streets, cleaner air and healthier communities, this is one of the best chances to have your say in a generation.
In the first part of the consultation, residents are being asked about the priorities and areas that should be considered in the Local Plan, with further consultation taking place next year, before the Plan is finalised in 2029.
But this preliminary stage is still vitally important, as it sets the scope for what the Local Plan should include. We think that active travel should be high up the agenda.
Fill in the survey by Tuesday, August 26.
Active travel is key to tackling Hull’s biggest challenges
This first survey asks residents to prioritise safer local areas, cleaner air, improved public transport, thriving centres, healthier communities, and attractive developments. These goals are much easier to achieve with high-quality active travel provision.
More people walking and cycling means less congestion on our road network. It means lower emissions, better public health, stronger local shops, and more sociable neighbourhoods. Active travel isn’t a niche concern – it’s a foundation for a fairer, greener, more resilient city.
Fill in the survey by Tuesday, August 26.
The current Local Plan isn’t fit for purpose
Despite positive mentions of walking and cycling, the existing Local Plan lacks the tools to deliver real change:
No coherent, protected city-wide active travel network – many routes remain advisory, shared, or simply stop at difficult junctions.
Weak standards for new developments, allowing car-dominated estates with poor permeability and indirect routes.
Insufficient integration between active travel and public transport, limiting safe access to bus corridors and mobility hubs.
Outdated parking and street design policies that continue to favour vehicles over people.
No clear modal shift targets or delivery milestones, meaning progress is slow and inconsistent.
You can change this
Consultation on the new Local Plan specifically asks for views on improved walking and cycling routes, healthy local areas, cleaner air, safe streets, good access to shops and services, and well-designed developments. These are not abstract ideas – they are the building blocks of a city designed for people, not just cars.
By completing the survey, you can help ensure the new Local Plan delivers:
A protected, continuous active travel network built to modern standards.
Mandatory active travel requirements for all new developments.
Proper integration with public transport and mobility hubs.
Street and parking policies that prioritise walking, cycling, and wheeling.
Measurable targets and timelines for increasing active travel.
Take action today
The consultation closes on 26 August 2026. Completing the basic survey takes only a few minutes, but its influence will last for decades.
If you have a bit more time, you can fill in the Scoping Consultation, where you can give longer responses on what you see as being Hull’s challenges, opportunities and emerging priorities.
You can also email your thoughts to localplan@hullcc.gov.uk
This is the moment to shape a healthier, fairer, greener Hull. Add your voice. Complete the survey by Tuesday, August 26 – and encourage others to do the same.
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