More than £4.5bn is to be provided by the Government to help councils deliver thousands of new walking, wheeling, and cycling routes, as well as crossings.
An announcement today confirms that the funds will be invested over the next five years to support new goals set by the Department for Transport (DfT), as part of the latest cycling and walking investment strategy.
This plan seeks to ensure that 55% of short journeys will be walked or cycled in towns and cities by 2035.
Through collaboration between councils, Active Travel England, and the Government, the move is intended to generate 5,000 new walking, wheeling and cycling routes, in addition to 10,000 safer crossings.
It also aims to improve links from homes to schools, high streets, and local services by 2030, helping to reach DfT targets that strive to see 60% of young people aged five to 16 travelling actively to school by 2035.
According to the Government, the development of the new routes will yield various benefits, including strengthened local economies, the production of household savings, reduced congestion and carbon emissions, and boosted public health.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: ‘Too many people would like to walk, wheel or cycle more often but don’t feel they have safe and convenient options to do so.’
She added: ‘This is about creating healthier communities, helping households keep more money in their pockets and building a transport network that works better for everyone.’
.png)
