Marlborough Walking and Cycling Strategy buildings and mobility scooter and wheel chair users. Accessibility maps have also been produced specifically to meet the needs of those less able. This forum was formed with the aim of becoming a "Barrier Free" district and much progress has been made since its inception in achieving this goal. It works closely with Bike Walk Marlborough and was involved with Rodney Tolley's review of the Blenheim City centre in 2008 which identified several issues that are most relevant. The forum has been an effective method to liaise with these groups and better address their needs and issues. As a result of Marlborough District Council and Marlborough Roads embarking on the first Marlborough Walking and Cycling Strategy in 2006 the “Bike Walk Marlborough” (BWM) group was formed. BWM incorporated the “Renwick Wine Trail Network Group”, which had previously established the initial Renwick and Southern Valleys Wine Cycle Trail route. BWM formed the basis of the Working Group for the strategy, however grew to encompass other cycling and walking advocates and interest groups. It now has over 30 members with representation from cycling and walking/running groups, Public Health, Sport Marlborough, Marlborough Roads, Council and others. Council employs a part time coordinator and meet quarterly. BWM has since been involved in lodging annual plan submissions, progressing cycle and walking safety, improved facilities and signage, hosting Rodney Tolley, progressing the rail corridor cycle/walk path between Spring Creek and Riverlands and producing “BikeWalk” maps and brochures. The Bike Walk Marlborough group has Charitable Trust status with 10 Trustees, and became registered to assist with securing additional funding for specific projects. 1.5 What sorts of improvements are possible? Network improvements like safer road crossings for walkers, cycle lanes, off-road cycle paths and cycle parking are all important. It is also necessary to make sure that people (particularly children) are trained to use the roads safely and that motorists are encouraged to treat walkers and cyclists with care. Safety education and education about the benefits of walking and cycling for all members of the community are a part of this strategy as well. Information about new walking and cycling facilities, as well as wayfinding signs and maps for the public, are important to enable as many people as possible to benefit from these improvements. 1.6 Strategy improvements The original Marlborough District Council Walking and Cycling Strategy was developed in conjunction with numerous stakeholders and involved a high degree of community consultation. As this is an update of the original strategy the same processes do not need to be undertaken. However, the strategy will be periodically reviewed and therefore any feedback you may have on how to improve it can be taken into account in the next iteration. 1.7 Strategy Structure Figure 1 shows the structure of the strategy. The strategy has its main content in the first 10 pages. This material provides strong guidance to Council for certain actions and policies. Subsequent material in Appendices A to K helps explain and support the earlier content. Page 7