Image: Credit: iStock Government agency announces latest round of funding to help councils improve access to cycling and walking in England
Local authorities across England are being invited to apply for a share of £200m of funding to improve walking and cycling infrastructure, with the government touting the move as an opportunity to slash emissions and air pollution while boosting health, local economies, and jobs.
The funding is being made available through Active Travel England to support initiatives such as 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.
Councils looking to develop more inclusive street designs to support more people in wheelchairs and mobility scooters are also being encourage to apply for the funding, while bids for funding must also show that their proposals take women’s safety into account, the government agency said.
Businesses and residents are also expected to be consulted on any projects, with winning bids set to be unveiled later this year.
Overall, the government estimates the funding could generate up to 16 million additional walking and cycling trips annually.
The government highlighted previous research by active travel charity Sustrans which estimated that walking and cycling generated £36.5bn for the UK economy in 2021 through increased spending on high streets, reduced pressure on the NHS, and better access to jobs.Transport Secretary Mark Harper said improving infrastructure and safety for cycling and walking would help encourage people to take cheaper, healthier, more environmentally friendly […]
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