CYCLISTS across Basingstoke and Deane are being encouraged to share their views on the best and worst cycle routes next month as part of a new cycle strategy.

The drop-in session, which will be held between 3pm and 7pm at Carnival Hall, Basingstoke on June 3, will be run by leading transport charity Sustrans and aims to use feedback from the people that live, work and visit the borough to create a cycling strategy for Basingstoke.

Cyclists are also able to give online feedback on any areas where they have encountered difficulties with crossings or a bad route, and to make suggestions for new routes or crossing facilities.

The final strategy, which aims to promote cycling for commuting and leisure, will include a cycle route map of the borough to help people find the best route for their journey.

The council’s Cabinet member for planning and infrastructure, Councillor Mark Ruffell, said: “We are pro-cycling and want our borough to be cycle friendly.

“Cycling is good for our health, it is green and sustainable, it is a competitive sport as well as a leisure pursuit, and it can assist with commuting. We want to improve cycling for all in the borough and we want to hear from cyclists so that we can develop an effective strategy for the borough.

“This consultation event provides a great opportunity for people to input into this process and to let us know about cycling demand across the borough and how we can improve cycling for all.”

For more information, or to register to take part in the workshops, contact the council on 01256 844844 or visit basingstoke.gov.uk/cycle.