Active Travel England has published its first-ever Rural Design Guide, giving local authorities practical guidance on designing and delivering safer, more accessible walking, wheeling and cycling routes in rural areas.

The new guidance aims to help councils create better-connected active travel networks, supporting healthier, more affordable travel choices while improving road safety. Although rural roads carry less traffic than urban roads, they account for almost two-thirds of road deaths in Great Britain, underlining the importance of well-designed infrastructure.

The guide includes the A27 cycle path east of Lewes as one of 16 case studies from across the country, showcasing examples of rural active travel schemes that can help inform future projects.

The publication provides a useful resource for both local transport authorities and planning authorities, offering practical advice and examples to support the development of safe, attractive and effective rural active travel routes.

The Rural Design Guide is available on the Active Travel England website.