A NATION-wide initiative to improve the National Cycle Network has been launched by a sustainable transport charity.

Sustrans has released a comprehensive report regarding improvements to the National Cycle Network, which has routes running throughout Cheshire.

The charity has been known to implement improvements along its routes that the community can see the benefit of.

A new bridge on National Route 5 meant staff and pupils from Charles Darwin Community Primary School could safely walk to a local pool for swimming lessons.

Whilst only a few hundred metres away, the pool was across a river, so the school previously had to hire a bus, partly paid for by parents and carers.

Adam Croft, headteacher, said: “The opening of the Riversdale Bridge has had a huge impact.

“Now that we are able to walk the short distance safely we are obviously saving on the bus expense, the children get some fresh air and exercise on the journey and I can be far more flexible with regards to which children I take as there is zero cost to parents.”

The charity plans to improve the accessibility of the network for more people after research showed that only 54 per cent of routes were suitable for children aged 12.

The full review document shares a list of recommendations for the improvements including, plans to transform the network by replacing existing on-road sections with new traffic-free paths and improving signage so everyone can use the paths without a map or smartphone.

Xavier Brice, CEO for Sustrans, said: “The National Cycle Network is a well-loved, well-used asset that’s enjoyed by millions of people across the UK every day.

“We want to build on its success and make the Network safer and more accessible for everyone, not just for people who currently use it. Our “Paths for Everyone” report lays out an ambitious vision to make the Network traffic-free and safe for a 12-year-old to use on their own.

“However, historic problems such as poor surfaces, incomplete signage and barriers mean that for people with mobility issues or those of us who are less physically active, there may as well be a ‘no entry’ sign on their local path.”

The National Cycle Network is a network of 16,575 miles of signed routes for walking and cycling. It spans the UK and is used by millions of people each year.

To view the complete report visit the website sustrans.org.uk/pathsforeveryone.