English councils get £200 million funding boost for active travel

The government agency for promoting cycling and walking in England is inviting local authorities to apply to a £200 million (US$241.8 million) funding pot.

The funding will see schools, high streets and main roads benefit from improved crossings and junctions to support walking and cycling, with the aim of reducing emissions and boosting local economies.

“Active travel is convenient, cheap, low carbon and health-giving, it’s a choice we need to make sure everyone has,” said Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman.

“Sometimes it only takes relatively small changes, such as crossings on school routes or convenient places to park a bike, to give us the option to walk, wheel or ride.

“Our job is to help local authorities across the country ensure that everyone has more attractive options for their daily trips and we are excited to help them deliver those options.”

Priorities

The scheme will prioritise three actions: creating more paths in rural areas, developing safer routes for children to walk to school, and improving safety at junctions for people walking and cycling.

Funding will also be used to support people in wheelchairs and mobility scooters by making street designs more inclusive.

The agency says all projects will be designed in consultation with residents and businesses to ensure they are safe and work for local communities, and guidance has been created to help local authorities develop active travel schemes to a high standard.

Walking and cycling charity Sustrans has estimated that active travel generated £36.5 billion for the UK economy in 2021 through increased spending on high streets, reduced pressure on the NHS and better access to jobs.

Previous tranches of Active Travel England funding saw a new cycle lane built in Coventry, which generated 10,000 trips in its first month, and a new walking and cycling route in Manchester, where people travelling on foot and by bike are separated from motor vehicles.

Councils have already been contacted directly by Active Travel England with details on how to apply, and successful projects will be announced later this year.

Expert network

Last month, the agency also announced a £32.9 million Capability Fund for the creation of a “national network of experts” to work with communities to make streets more walkable and cyclable.

The fund will cover training for local authority officers and local councillors; the development of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs); network design and planning; feasibility studies; public engagement and co-design; and data and evidence collection.

The agency estimates that up to 1,300 new green jobs could be created across England as a result.

“Our streets are used by everyone, so they should be designed with everyone in mind,” said Stephen Edwards, Chief Executive at active travel charity Living Streets.

“The Capability Fund will boost the quality of our places and support people to choose cleaner and healthier ways to get around. We look forward to working with local authorities to increase walking and wheeling across the country.”

Image: TfGM