New £200 million fund for local authorities to improve walking and cycling routes
The Department for Transport has announced a £200 million fund for local authorities in England for improvements that encourage walking and cycling, while reducing emissions and boosting local economies.
Local authorities can apply for the funding through Active Travel England, with projects to be designed in consultation with residents and businesses. Successful funding applications will be announced later in the year.
Possible improvements that could benefit from the funding include:
- creating more paths in rural areas
- developing safer routes for children to walk to school
- improved safety at junctions for people walking and cycling
- more inclusive street designs for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Previous funding rounds 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.
Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, said: ‘This £200 million investment for hundreds of upgraded routes and paths across the country will help to reduce emissions, boost local economies and create jobs.’
‘These new schemes will make it safer for children to walk to school and will better connect rural communities, helping more people choose active travel as an affordable and healthy way to get around.’
