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The aim is to cut the district's carbon footprint and improve traffic congestion by encouraging more people to cycle and walk.

The district's cycle strategy, which was adopted by the council's Cabinet this month (July), includes plans to trial cycling in three district parks, Rothamsted Park, Clarence Park and Longacres, subject to consultation with representatives from the parks.

The action plan also includes moves to:

? increase the amount of cycle parking

? improve links onto the National Cycle Network such as the Alban Way

? encourage company travel plans

? work to reduce the number of bike thefts

Cllr Mike Ellis, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said:

?Cycling is an efficient, healthy, quiet, sustainable, and non-polluting form of transport. This strategy and action plan sets out how the council, with our partners, hopes to encourage and persuade many more residents to take up cycling as an enjoyable and inexpensive means of travelling about the district.?

As well as cycling, everyone is being urged to rediscover walking. The draft walking strategy, which was approved for consultation, outlines a number of initiatives including:

? encouraging walking to work with pedestrian routes to railway stations and bus stops

? promoting walking as a leisure activity in parks and open spaces

? improving street lighting to help pedestrians feel safer