Walking and cycling schemes in England get £200 million boost

Walking and cycling schemes across England have been awarded a share of £200 million (US$249 million) in government funding to boost active travel.

The UK Department for Transport says the money will help “millions of people” breathe cleaner air, access more affordable travel and “reap the benefits of a more active lifestyle”.

The government’s new executive agency Active Travel England will oversee the delivery of 134 schemes backed by £161 million. These include new footways, cycle lanes and pedestrian crossings across 46 local authorities outside London.

UK Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “This multimillion-pound investment will ensure people right across the country can access cheap, healthy and zero-emission travel.

“Active Travel England will be working hard to create a new golden age of walking and cycling, enabling everyone to reap the benefits of a more active lifestyle, creating streets where children can play and making nicer places to live.”

Mini Holland

In addition, 19 authorities – including in Nottinghamshire, Hull and Manchester – will also receive a share of £1.5 million for “mini-Holland” feasibility studies, to assess how the areas could be as pedestrian and cycle-friendly as their Dutch city equivalents.

Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said: “This is all about enabling people to leave their cars at home and enjoy local journeys on foot or by bike.

“Active Travel England is going to make sure high-quality spaces for cycling, wheeling and walking are delivered across all parts of England, creating better streets, a happier school run and healthier, more pleasant journeys to work and the shops.”

Up to £8 million in funding is also being allocated towards a new programme to offer short and long-term loans of e-bikes to increase uptake.

The pilot scheme, which will be delivered by Cycling UK, launched earlier this week in Greater Manchester and seeks to enable those with longer or hillier journeys to cycle and access employment opportunities.

Big Bike Revival

Funding will also go towards Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival – free events to help people start or return to cycling.

People across England will be able to attend events with their bikes and receive a basic service or learn to repair their own bikes at a workshop, as well as learn how to ride a bike from beginner level or join a ride to increase their confidence.

Xavier Brice, CEO of active travel charity Sustrans, said: “As custodians of the National Cycle Network, we’re delighted that the government is continuing to invest in these vital and much-loved walking, wheeling and cycling routes.

“This funding will see improvements made to the network in England, connecting cities, towns and the countryside, making walking, wheeling and cycling a safer, more convenient and more accessible travel option for everyone.”

The £200 million funding is part of a £2 billion commitment to active travel announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in July 2020.

Image: TfL