Making it easier to walk, wheel and cycle in Elmbridge

Residents identified clean air as one of the council's top climate action priorities in the 2024 Climate Change Survey. 

They highlighted the need for better cycling infrastructure, improved pedestrian and cyclist safety, better public transport, and wider improvements to make walking, wheeling and cycling more accessible and safer for everyone. 

This was reflected in the recommendations made by the Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens' Panel in 2025, which identified cleaner and more active travel as one of its 18 recommendations to the council to support a more sustainable borough. 

These recommendations also ties in with the transport workstream of the East Elmbridge Neighbourhood Area Committee (NAC), a pilot group representing around 50,000 residents across east Elmbridge, established as part of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) to help ensure local communities continue to have a voice in local decision-making. 

Both The panel and East Elmbridge NAC highlighted opportunities to improve access to bicycles, increase availability of cycle training and enhance facilities that support walking, wheeling and cycling for local journeys. 

Accessing a bike 

For some residents, the cost of purchasing a bike can be a barrier. 

The government's Cycle to Work scheme, available through participating employers, offers a discounted way to access a bike and cycling equipment. 

The Surrey Bike Bank works with Surrey County Council, SUEZ and other partners to provide refurbished bicycles to eligible Surrey residents who do not currently have access to a working bike. Residents with an unused bicycle can also donate it through the scheme. 

Cycle training opportunities 

Cycling training can help people develop confidence and practical skills for travelling safely on roads and shared paths. 

Training is available through Surrey's cycle training programme, including sessions held at Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub. Residents can find available courses and training opportunities across Surrey. 

Bike repair and reuse 

Repairing and reusing bicycles can help extend their lifespan and reduce waste. 

Walton and Oxshott Repair Cafés offer opportunities for residents to receive support with bicycle repairs and maintenance, while also encouraging repair and reuse. 

The Claygate Youth Hub hosts bike repair sessions every other month, while Lower Green Community Centre offers regular opportunities to repair, maintain and restore bicycles, including unused bikes that could be given a new lease of life.  These initiatives support the reuse of materials and help make bike maintenance more accessible within local communities. 

Choose public transport 

Public transport can provide an alternative sustainable way to travel for local journeys. Residents can find information on bus services, community transport and travel concessions through Surrey County Council. Residents can also explore Surrey Connect, Surrey County Council's on-demand bus service, which provides flexible transport options in parts of Surrey. 

Earn rewards for travelling greener 

The free BetterPoints app rewards residents for walking, wheeling, cycling and using public transport. Collect points for your journeys and swap them for vouchers, local rewards or charity donations, while improving your health and helping to reduce your environmental impact. Find out more. 

Looking ahead: future walking and cycling improvements 

Surrey County Council has responsibility for highways, including cycling infrastructure. It has completed feasibility design work for a number of priority walking and cycling routes as part of the Elmbridge Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). Find your local active travel maps. 

The project is moving towards public consultation, giving residents the opportunity to comment on proposals and help shape future improvements. Potential measures include enhanced walking and cycling links, upgraded pedestrian crossings and other improvements designed to support safer and more accessible local journeys. 

More information about the LCWIP is available on the Surrey County Council website.