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In a landmark move to promote walking, cycling, and wheeling across England, the Government and Active Travel England (ATE) have unveiled a £291 million funding package to reshape the nation’s transport infrastructure.
At the heart of this initiative is a £30 million injection into Sustrans, dedicated to upgrading the National Cycle Network, a crucial artery for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Meanwhile, an ambitious 300 miles of new cycle lanes and footpaths are set to emerge, paving the way for an estimated 300 million additional active travel journeys annually.
A Health and Economic Game-Changer:
Beyond mere infrastructure, the ripple effects of this investment are vast. ATE projects that the increased uptake in walking and cycling will slash sick days by 43,000 each year, alleviating pressure on the NHS and fostering a healthier, more mobile population. The economic benefits are equally compelling—an expected £9 million annual boost as businesses become more accessible and employees find it easier to commute sustainably.
This funding aligns with Labour’s Plan for Change and the government’s commitment to driving practical, transformative policies within its current parliamentary term. The initiative is not just about infrastructure—it’s about fostering a cultural shift.
£222.5 million will be allocated to local authorities, empowering them to develop and execute active travel projects tailored to their communities.
£8.5 million will be funnelled into programs by Cycling UK, Living Streets, and Modeshift, designed to instill walking and cycling habits in schools and local communities.
Cycle training programs for children will receive dedicated funding to nurture the next generation of cyclists.
To ensure these developments meet residents' needs, ATE will guide local councils on community engagement strategies, ensuring that transport transformations reflect the voices of the people they serve.
This renewed commitment follows the controversial £380 million funding cut to active travel by the previous Conservative government in 2023. In contrast, the Labour administration’s £100 million pledge in the autumn budget signaled a clear intent to prioritize sustainable mobility.
Recent Transport for Greater Manchester reports highlight the tangible impact of active travel investments. The number of short trips (under 2km) completed on foot has climbed from 52% to 57% in just five years. With 117 km of newly built cycle lanes and plans to reach at least 160 km within the next two years, the city proves that well-planned infrastructure truly reshapes urban mobility.
With this multi-million-pound commitment, England is poised for a future where cycling, walking, and wheeling become the norm rather than the exception—reshaping how people move, work, and live.
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