Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has commissioned Sustrans, a leading UK charity that aims to encourage people to travel by foot, bicycle or public transport for more of their local journeys to help create a ‘cycling strategy’ and new cycle map in consultation with the people who live in, work in or visit the borough. The first stage of the process is to ask local cyclists to give online feedback on any areas of cycle route where they have encountered difficulties and/or to make suggestions for new routes or facilities. Maria said "It is important to make the UK a cycling nation.Government’s spending on cycling has more than doubled since 2010, with £374 million committed between 2011 and 2015. I urge all Basingstoke residents to give online feedback on any areas of cycle route where they have encountered difficulties and/or to make suggestions for new routes or facilities. This will enable the Borough Council to develop a comprehensive cycling strategy 2015 so that cycling can become second nature, tackling safety and perceptions of safety which are the biggest barrier preventing people from taking to their bikes." This consultation website is now available here: https://communitymaps.sustrans.org.uk/basingstoke.php. The council and Sustrans will be consulting with people on cycling issues and we are keen to hear from anyone who is interested in being involved in a workshop as part of this process. To register to take part contact us on 01256 844844 or email transport@basingstoke.gov.uk. The mapping consultation closes on 18 May 2015.