10.02.20
Sheffield City Region to receive £2.5m fund for walking and cycling
Sheffield City Region will receive an extra £2.5m from the Government to promote active travel in the area.
Walking and cycling schemes, including new cycle training, e-bike loans and walking groups for people with disabilities will benefit from the extra government funding.
The announcement (Feb 7) comes on the same day that government announced all children in the UK will be taught how to ride a bike under the Bikeability training scheme.
Active Travel Hubs in the areas of Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham will continue and expand their efforts in providing bike loans, bike maintenance and repair and support for walkers and cyclists.
In addition to the free cycle training for people of all ages and free bike loans and repair, travel training will be provided for adults in the region with learning disabilities to empower them to travel independently.
Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said:
“There are some fantastic active travel programmes across South Yorkshire and this money will secure their future.
“Thousands of children and adults will now be able to get on their bikes or walk more, which has benefits for both physical and mental health, as well as improving air quality.
“But there is still more to be done. We need more investment in genuinely safe cycling infrastructure, to enable children and adults to feel confident when on our roads. We are in the midst of a climate crisis, investment in walking and cycling is vital in removing polluting vehicles off the roads, especially in our towns and cities.”
Pupils in an extra 20 schools in the area will be encouraged and supported into walking, cycling or scooting to school thanks to funding secured for the continuation of the Living Streets project.
The Sheffield City Region has submitted a £220million Transforming Cities bid to Government, half of which is earmarked for walking and cycling schemes, which will form the first part of the 2040 Active Travel Network once complete.
Mayor Dan Jarvis and Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey will reveal their vision for South Yorkshire’s 2040 Active Travel Network later this year.
Picture: Mayor Dan Jarvis and Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey