Thousands more people will be encouraged to cycle and walk to work thanks to a £64 million government investment, Transport Minister Andrew Jones announced today (26 January 2017).
The funding will support local projects over 3 years from 2017 to 2020 and form part of a wider government package of more than £300 million to boost walking and cycling during the current parliament. By 2040 the government aims to make this part of everyday life and walking and cycling the natural choice for shorter journeys.
The money will deliver:
- more safety and awareness training for cyclists
- extra secure cycle storage
- bike repair and maintenance courses
- road safety measures
- mapping information for pedestrians
- real time bus information through smart phone apps or information at bus stops
- increased focus on car sharing clubs
The funding will also target those looking to get back into work because access to transport and the cost of travel often restricts where people can look for work and their ability to attend interviews. They will also benefit from discount bus travel and bike loans.
Transport Minister Andrew Jones said:
We are committed to improving how people travel and this investment will ensure that people’s journeys are cheaper, safer and better for the environment. It will help people to become more active and better transport planning will reduce congestion on our roads – particularly at peak times.
This investment will also help people access jobs, education and training – specifically targeting those looking to get back into work, as part of our relentless drive to make this is a country that works for everyone.
The funding could lead to:
- 95 million fewer miles in car journeys
- 99,000 extra walking trips per day
- 40,000 extra cycling trips per day
Stephen Joseph, Chief Executive, Campaign for Better Transport said:
We strongly welcome this announcement of the access fund projects and the new cycling and walking to work fund. The evidence suggests that these kinds of projects can remove barriers to work, help local communities and businesses and also tackle local transport problems by giving people attractive alternatives to car use. We look forward to working with the government, the authorities involved, and other organisations to develop and learn from these projects.
All English transport authorities (outside London) were invited to bid for the funding. The following 25 successful local authority bidders will each receive a share of the £60 million Sustainable Travel Access Fund for 2017 to 2020:
| Local Authority | Award (£million) |
|---|---|
| Blackpool Council – Consortium bid with Buckinghamshire CC, Hertfordshire CC, North East CA, Stoke on Trent CC, West Sussex CC, Hampshire CC, Leicester CC, North Lincolnshire Council and Surrey CC | 7.498 |
| Brighton and Hove Council | 1.485 |
| Bristol City Council (West of England) | 6.901 |
| Devon County Council | 1.5 |
| East Riding of Yorkshire Council | 0.682 |
| East Sussex County Council | 1.2 |
| Herefordshire County Council | 1.5 |
| Isle of Wight Council | 1.35 |
| Kent County Council | 1.452 |
| Lancashire County Council – Joint bid with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council | 1.94 |
| Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council | 3.195 |
| Lincolnshire County Council | 0.975 |
| Luton Borough Council (joint bid with Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council) | 2.128 |
| Norfolk County Council | 1.488 |
| North East Lincolnshire Council | 1.388 |
| North Yorkshire County Council | 0.974 |
| Nottingham City Council – joint bid with Derby City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council | 2.735 |
| Nottinghamshire County Council | 0.845 |
| Plymouth City Council | 1.497 |
| Sheffield City Region Combined Authority | 7.5 |
| Slough Borough Council | 1.5 |
| Southampton City Council (joint bid with Hampshire County Council) | 2.294 |
| Southend-on-Sea Borough Council joint bid with -Thurrock Council and Essex County Council | 3.322 |
| Tees Valley Combined Authority | 3.323 |
| York, City of | 1.312 |
The Cycling and Walking to Work Fund offers £3.8 million to be invested in 3 city regions over the next 12 months to connect people with employment and apprenticeships:
| Local Authority | Award (£million) |
|---|---|
| Greater Manchester Combined Authority | 1.5 |
| Liverpool City Region | 0.77 |
| West Yorkshire Combined Authority | 1.5 |
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