UK government allocates £200 million for active travel

The UK government has announced the recipients of a total of £200 million (US$247 million) in funding for cycling and walking schemes, aiming to “revitalise high streets and support local businesses”.

Following consultations with local authorities, communities across England will receive the funding, with over 265 schemes in 60 areas sharing the latest round, including Yorkshire, Manchester, Devon and Leicester.

The initiative is projected to generate up to 16 million additional walking and cycling trips annually.

“We want to make sure everyone across the country can choose cheaper, greener and healthier travel while we continue to support our local businesses and grow the economy,” said UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper.

“This £200 million investment will improve road safety, ease congestion and ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of the millions of people choosing active travel.”

The funding, which was announced in February 2023, will support various projects, including the development of 121 miles of new cycle tracks, 77 miles of new paths and greenways, and initiatives to enhance street safety around 130 schools.

The UK government says active travel is projected to inject £36.5 billion into the economy annually through increased spending on high streets and improved access to job opportunities.

‘Devil in the detail’

Despite government assurances that this funding round will increase walking and cycling across England, some have pointed out that overall funding has actually been cut.

Matt Winfield, Executive Director for Sustrans England, Northern Ireland and Wales, said: “[The] allocation of previously committed active travel funding is, of course, welcome news for ambitious local authorities and we’re excited to see their transformational projects take shape.

“However, the devil is in the detail, as active travel funding cuts announced in March mean investment will plummet over the next two years.”

The cuts Winfield refers to were announced by the Transport Secretary in a written statement in March.

Although the figure wasn’t detailed in the statement, Sustrans estimates the cuts to be around £200 million.

Image: Liverpool combined authority