December 16, 2021

Cumbria County Council has announced the winning poster entries, for the Barrow-in-Furness active travel competition. 

The competition was part of the Active Travel plans project in Barrow, looking at cycling and walking infrastructure improvements on Michaelson Road and Bridge Road in Barrow. 

Consultations have been taking place to improve infrastructure for walking and cycling in Barrow, as part of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). The LCWIP aims to set out a safe, integrated and well-linked network of routes, with the plan providing the evidence to help secure funding for the delivery of improvements.

Barrow-in-Furness has already had some successes with funding from the Department for Transport's Active Travel Fund and implemented 11 cycle repair stations in key locations across the borough.

The poster competition wanted to engage with children and asked for posters and drawings to be submitted to the County Council to show the benefits of cycling, walking or scooting to school.

The panel of judges comprised of Cllr Anne Burns – the Cabinet member for Children’s Services, Richard Ingham - Cycling Mayor for Cumbria and Emma Broadbent (Active Cumbria). The selected winners are, Sarah Baxter from Yarlside Academy, Tilly Robinson from St James’ CE Primary School, Archie Atherton from South Walney Junior School, and Elsie Taylor from South Walney Infant School, they have all received a £200 voucher for Halfords.

Cllr Kevin Hamilton, Chair of Cumbria County Council’s Barrow Local Committee, said: 

“We are delighted that we received so many entrants for this competition which highlights not only how talented the children are but also shows how engaged they are with the benefits of Active Travel too.”

“There is significant potential in Barrow-in-Furness for more journeys to be made by cycling and walking if the right conditions are put in place – the implementation of good quality infrastructure is key to making this happen.”

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:

“Cumbria County Council held a successful consultation on the emerging networks in May 2021 and then a follow-up consultation in November 2021. We thank everyone who contributed for their feedback which is essential for demonstrating support for the plans when bidding for funding. I am delighted that the school pupils have got involved, and their posters look amazing.  Well done to all involved”

Richard Ingham, Cycling Mayor for Cumbria said:

“All the posters are inspiring, and I was thrilled to see the effort and knowledge that has gone into them. They show how our very young people are understanding climate change and how they can make a difference themselves: the importance of travelling more actively with fewer short car journeys - for our wellbeing and the world’s.”