Friends of the Lake District works to reduce the negative impacts of transport and travel on the landscapes of the Lake District and Cumbria, and to maintain and enhance the distinctive character of its roads. We believe that the best way of achieving this is to campaign for, support and develop ways for people and goods to move around that are truly sustainable - good for communities and visitors, good for the landscape and environment and therefore good for economic vitality.

Distinctiveness of Cumbria’s roads
The Rural Roads Character project aims to make sure that the distinctiveness and character of county’s roads are maintained and enhanced. This includes de-cluttering and de-urbanising roads in the countryside by removing unnecessary road signs and street furniture, keeping locally distinctive features and slowing down traffic.
We work with policy makers, engineers and local communities to make sure that the value of the road’s character is protected.

Getting around
It’s fairly easy to get around the county, but with 92% of visitors arriving by car, easy access too often translates to heavy traffic, congested car parks and the drone of traffic noise. People’s dependence on cars means that fewer people use public transport and the increase in traffic on roads makes them less attractive for walking and cycling. This means that visitors and residents who don’t have access to a car - or want to leave their car behind - often have few options.

Supporting sustainable transport
We support two bus services – the 208 Keswick – Glenridding “Ullswater Connexion” and the 519 “Kentmere Rambler”. These are integrated into the Give the Driver a Break project ideas for great days out using the services. We also support the Staveley Green Travel Initiatives (GTi).

Having an influence
We work with regional Government, Local Authorities, other charities and interest groups, parish councils and local communities to influence transport policy and planning at regional to local level.

Click here for responses that we have made to recent transport policy and planning consultations. 

Working it out
We undertake and commission research to provide a firm foundation for policy and projects. Click here for more details of current research project.