With COP 26 behind us, it’s time to look forward at how we can continue to be as eco-friendly as possible, and how we can encourage others to do the same.

I found the COP-26 summit incredibly inspiring during my few days up in Glasgow last week and, it is clear following the conference that there is a real appetite from people for us to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible.

Here at the council we’re aiming to make ourselves net zero by 2030 and we want the whole borough to reach the same target by 2050.

To help do that, a number of projects are being undertaken by various departments including highways, because one of things we need to do is try and cut pollution on our roads.

We have already created bus corridors to make bus routes quicker, cleaner and more appealing to passengers and sustainable travel is at the heart of all the major developments coming forward over the next few years. But we know we need to do more with our existing infrastructure and this week we announced plans to create a new two-way cycle lane on Station Road following a successful trial earlier in the year.

Thanks to funding from central government’s Active Travel Fund, we will be able to close one lane of Station Road, which currently operates as a two-lane one-way street, and convert it into a dedicated cycle lane that will have benefits across the town.

The scheme has been developed in partnership with a number of groups including businesses in the area, bus companies, train companies and taxi drivers.

Local residents, cycle groups, such as Swindon Cycle Campaign, and disability groups have also worked closely with our officers to make sure the new road is accessible to everyone no matter how they travel.

This new cycle lane will help bridge connections with the Western Flyer route and the train station and will eventually link up to the Fleming Way Bus Boulevard when that is completed in the future.

One of the greatest barriers for people who want to cycle more is a perception that it’s not safe for them on the roads and that it’s uncomfortable due to the high volume and high speeds of motorised vehicles. We know that many more people would make the switch to cycling if the aforementioned barriers were removed.

The new cycle lane will not only help make riders feel safer but also make improvements to cycling conditions around the town centre which is a popular route for many who already use our Flyer routes throughout the town.

Along with the inclusion of the cycle lane, existing crossings and traffic lights will be upgraded to a new smart system in order to help ease traffic congestion in the area.

It is important that we continue to develop these schemes and keep looking for greener alternatives to travel to help those who want to take up the call and be the change when it comes to the current climate emergency.