ACTIVE TRAVEL NETWORK

The Hawick Flood Protection Scheme includes the creation of a shared-use cycleway and footpath along the entire length of the project. The initial plan was for this ‘Active Travel Network’ to feature pathways of varying widths (typically between 1.5 and 2.5m).  Following approval of the Scheme in December 2017, SUSTRANS (the respected cycling and walking charity) approached the Council to explore how the proposed cyclepath could be enhanced so that it meets their objective of ensuring that all routes are suitable for a competent 12-year-old to use safely unaccompanied.  This included increasing the proposed width of the track to 4m where feasible.  The Project team have been working closely with Sustrans on the design and scope of this exciting new, environmentally friendly addition to Hawick’s network of footpaths.

The design of the Active Travel Network involves widened paths, new widened footbridges and ramps and dedicated passageways around bridges, all intended to keep users as much as possible separate from traffic on the main streets.  In most cases, the increased width of the track could be successfully achieved through small changes to the existing design. 

When completed as part of the Flood Protection Scheme, this network will represent a major enhancement to the facilities and infrastructure of Hawick.  It will provide significant potential to reduce car use and increase active travel – on foot or bicycle - as an everyday mode of transport, delivering benefits to health, air quality and quality of life to local residents and visitors.  And it will do so in a totally safe environment.  The network will be accessible to all, linking many areas of the town from Weensland all the way along to Volunteer Park.