Cumberland Council is progressing design work on a series of Active Travel improvements in north Carlisle, aimed at creating safer, more accessible connections for walking, wheeling and cycling.
Investment from local transport funding and developer contributions is supporting the development of active travel improvements that have been prioritised through the Carlisle Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).
The proposals build upon routes identified in the LCWIP, including:
- Route 17: California Lane to Gosling Drive (Morrisons), offering a more comfortable alternative to the busy A7 Kingstown Road corridor.
- Route 7: Knowefield Avenue to Etterby Street, providing a quieter residential connection that avoids the A7 Scotland Road corridor.
The council has carried out initial assessments and developed concept designs to gain feedback from residents, businesses and road users.
The aim is to understand how people travel through the area, identify any challenges, and explore opportunities to improve safety, accessibility and connectivity.
Potential future improvements could include enhanced crossings, upgraded paths and traffic calming measures. These types of changes can help people travel more confidently between key destinations, support healthier lifestyles and improve access to employment, education, healthcare and cultural venues.
These plans come at an exciting time for Carlisle and the wider county, as Cumberland continues to build its reputation for cycling and active travel. The area will play a key role in the 2027 Tour de France, with the race beginning in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, finishing Stage One in Carlisle the same day, before Stage Two starts in Keswick on Saturday 3 July 2027.
These events highlight the importance of well‑connected, accessible streets and show how investment in walking, wheeling and cycling can support everyday journeys and boost local communities.
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“Exploring possible improvements across north Carlisle is about understanding what local people need from their networks and neighbourhoods.
“This is the first step in listening to residents, businesses and road users.
“We want to make sure any future designs reflect the priorities of our communities and help create spaces that are safer, greener and better connected for everyone.”
To gather views at this stage, the project team will be engaging directly with the local community and hosting a public drop-in session where people can view initial ideas and share their feedback.
Public Drop‑In Event:
Venue: St Augustine’s Church Hall
Date: Thursday 26 November
Time: 2.30pm – 6.30pm
Those unable to attend can share their views online or find out more via the council’s consultation page: https://consult.cumberland.gov.uk/california-lane-to-etterby-street