By Tom Austin-Morgan

The UK government and Active Travel England (ATE) in February announced a funding package that includes £222.5 million for local authorities to develop and implement local walking, wheeling, and cycling programmes, £30 million to provide cycle training to children, £30 million to improve the National Cycle Network, and £8.5 million for Cycling UK, Living Streets, and Modeshift to implement walking, wheeling, and cycling initiatives in communities and schools.

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 [February’s] investment will not only provide better connectivity but boost local businesses [and] grow local economies.”

To make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and simpler nationwide, the package will also allow the development of improved crossings and junctions. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of youngsters will receive cycling training thanks to the funding.

“[It] will deliver 300 miles of brand-new pavements and cycle routes to enable 30 million more journeys by walking and cycling every year,” added Lightwood in March. “It will lead to 43,000 less sick days a year to ease pressure on the NHS.”

Additionally, the government says the new infrastructure would boost the local economy by £9 million every year by supporting local businesses and making it easier to walk and cycle to work.

Lightwood said that he plans to release a third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS3) after June’s Spending Review.

Delay announced in June

When asked at the end of June about when CWIS3 could be expected, a Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We intend to publish the strategy later this year, we will consult with relevant stakeholders ahead of its publication.”

Furthermore, ATE has released guidelines to assist councils in making sure businesses and citizens are taken into consideration when planning and implementing transport improvements in their communities.

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.”

Read CIHT’s policy brief: Making the Case for Investment in Active Travel.

Image: cyclist on Oxford Road, Manchester. Credit: Shutterstock.