Proposals for New Walking & Cycling Routes Across Thanet

Thanet District Council is inviting people to share their views on proposals for new walking and cycling routes across Thanet.

The council has been working with Sustrans, a charity that aims to make it easier for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle, since 2021. Through this partnership, Sustrans has identified Thanet’s main walking and cycling routes, and produced a series of reports. The findings from each of these have been brought together in one draft document, the Thanet Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (Thanet CWIP).

People are now invited to share their feedback on the Thanet CWIP, which sets out a proposed network of safe and easy cycling, wheeling and walking routes and zones, across the district.

A short online survey can be found on Your Voice Thanet, the council’s public engagement platform, and is open until 5pm on Sunday 17 August 2025.

The full report, and two accompanying appendices are available on the website.

Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, said: “The Thanet CWIP is the culmination of more than three years’ work in partnership with Sustrans. There has also been extensive public engagement during that time, to make sure that the proposed routes are in the right places.

“Having a properly planned and executed network of safe and accessible routes will help to connect people and places across the district. It is hoped that by making walking, cycling and wheeling routes more accessible, we can encourage people to choose these alternative modes of travel. This in turn will cut down on traffic, improve air quality and health. The Thanet CWIP, importantly, will also help us in our ongoing work to achieve net zero, and create thriving towns.

Cllr Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Community, said: “In my view, any project that helps people to get more active is a good thing, and the Thanet CWIP will support this through safer routes for cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchair users. The potential health benefits are significant, and I welcome the improved air quality as a result of fewer car trips.”

Once adopted, the Thanet CWIP will provide essential support for ongoing funding bids to deliver cycling and walking infrastructure in the district.

The draft Plan is the consolidation of nearly four years’ work to develop a potential network of cycling and walking routes in the district. The project has been largely funded through grants from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Capability Fund.