Millions of people will benefit from 300 miles of new walkways and cycle lanes thanks to almost £300m in funding to boost walking, wheeling and cycling in England.
The funding package announced recently by the government and Active Travel England (ATE) will also allow the construction of improved crossings and junctions to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, safer and better across the country. The investment will also help fund cycle training for hundreds of thousands of children.
In addition to the funding, ATE is publishing its guidance to help councils ensure that local residents and businesses are heard when designing and delivering transport changes in neighbourhoods.
The improvements will help people make 30m more journeys by bike or foot every year, including more than 20m new walk-to-school journeys by children and their parents.
The new infrastructure could also add £9m every year to the economy by supporting local businesses and making it easier to walk and cycle to work.
National active travel commissioner, Chris Boardman, said: “Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation’s health, economy and get to net zero, all in one.
“Free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic are benefits already being enjoyed as standard by our European neighbours and it’s time we had the same life-improving choices. This funding will help make our towns, cities and villages happier, healthier and greener places to live.”
Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood, said: “Walking and cycling is an affordable way to get around and is hugely beneficial for both mental and physical health. We’re making sure local authorities can deliver high-quality and easily accessible schemes for everyone.
“Investing in our national cycling and walking infrastructure is a key part of our mission for growth and today’s investment will not only provide better connectivity but boost local businesses, grow local economies and ease pressure on the NHS, helping us deliver our Plan for Change.”
The funding package includes: £222.5m to local authorities for the development and delivery of local walking, wheeling and cycling schemes, alongside community engagement and training; £30m to provide Bikeability cycle training to children; £30m to the Sustrans charity to deliver improvements to the National Cycle Network, a UK-wide network of signed active travel routes; and £8.5m for Cycling UK, Living Streets and Modeshift to deliver walking, wheeling and cycling initiatives in schools and communities.
