WORCESTERSHIRE still has “disappointing” walking and cycling figures four years after being given a zero active travel rating.
Highways bosses say progress has been made and want Active Travel England, the government body responsible for walking and cycling money, to re-assess the county.
A Worcestershire County Council report said 55 percent of all short journeys in towns and cities should be by active travel modes.
On Monday (July 6), highways chief Tom Wells said that figure currently sits at about 30 percent.
CYCLING: Councillors want to improve cycling infrastructure in Worcestershire (Image: Hamish Gill)
“In 2022 Active Travel England was established and one of its first duties was to award Worcestershire a zero rating,” he told the council’s environment overview and scrutiny panel.
“The grade goes up to 4. Things had gotten better by 2024 when we were regarded as ‘1’ and similarly in 2025 – 1 out of 4.
“These are still really disappointing figures. I am asking Active Travel England to come back and have a look at how we’re doing now.”
He said this “wouldn’t necessarily” give the council more money but could lead to fresh opportunities.
“We have made progress – Hampton Bridge, Kepax Bridge, but much of it is locally-based – dropping kerbs etc,” said Cllr Wells. “Things like that can make a big difference.”
Cllr Louis Stephen said housing estates built in the 80s and 90s have footpaths and cyclepaths that met standards at the time but are now considered too narrow.
READ MORE: Is council doing enough to support walking in Worcester?
He called for more “joined-up thinking” to upgrade such paths using government money.
Cllr Andrew Cross asked what the aspiration is regarding an Active Travel Rating.
“I’m going to say 4,” said Cllr Wells. “I don’t want anything less. I think every member of this council and every resident of Worcestershire wants to see a step change in this area.”
Former cabinet member for highways Karl Perks asked what the timeframe is for achieving level 4.
Cllr Wells said the council needs to “up its game” and will plot its progress following a visit from Active Travel England.
He said Worcester provides the “biggest opportunity for infrastructure improvement”, adding: “The most important thing is to make some difference on the ground.”
£53m investment programme bringing ‘real change’ for Worcester
Decision made on plan for traveller site in Worcestershire countryside
Council chief explains how AI will be used to help make 100 job cuts
Cllr Linda Robinson said many footpaths, that could potentially give people safe walking routes, are blocked.
Rachel Hill, strategic director for economy and infrastructure, said funding for maintaining public rights of way is “challenging” and the council has had issues hiring for vacant posts.
Cllr Wells acknowledged that some rural footpaths are “barely passable” at the moment and asked for the help of landowners in clearing the routes.
