Applications have opened today for a share of £1 million dedicated to projects that make it safer and easier for people across York and North Yorkshire to walk, wheel and cycle.
The fund was launched by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, during a visit to Oatlands Junior School in Harrogate – a standout example of how active travel initiatives can transform school journeys. More than 90% of pupils at the school now walk, wheel or cycle thanks to a series of community‑led schemes supported by local partners.
Oatlands Junior School and Oatlands Infant School, together with the local community and North Yorkshire Council, have introduced multiple initiatives that have significantly cut congestion and improved safety around the school.
Measures include:
- A School Street, turning a previously congested road into a safe, traffic‑free zone
- Park and stride locations to reduce car use on surrounding streets
- A joint school Bike Bus, now attracting up to 100 participants every fortnight
- A school bike library, helping nearly 50 children learn to ride for the first time
- A 20mph zone to improve safety
- Regular Dr Bike maintenance sessions
These initiatives demonstrate how targeted investment in active travel can improve safety, reduce traffic and encourage healthier, more sustainable journeys.
The £1 million fund forms part of a wider £4 million programme aimed at doubling regional investment in walking, wheeling and cycling. More than £2 million has already been made available to public bodies, with successful applicants due to be announced shortly.
The new fund will support initiatives that:
- Improve walking routes
- Increase accessibility, including dropped kerbs
- Build cycling skills and confidence through training or dedicated learning spaces
- Promote behaviour change initiatives such as School Streets, bike buses and park‑and‑stride
- Provide secure cycle storage
Applications are open to community groups, businesses, charities, schools and other organisations.
The Mayor’s Active Travel Fund is a core element of the £7 million Moving Forward campaign, which aims to create a healthier and more connected region by investing in movement, public health and outdoor access.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
“Walking, wheeling and cycling should be part of a safer, happier school run. It’s fun, it’s healthy, and it’s precious quality time for children at the start and end of the day.
“That’s why I’m kickstarting a revolution in active travel. Through the Mayor’s Active Travel Fund, I’m putting power into the hands of local people to create safer routes to build healthier, greener, and better connected places for generations to come.
“We’re backing communities with this £1 million investment, supporting practical, local initiatives that make a real difference on our streets and outside our school gates.”
The initiative supports the Combined Authority’s vision of a York and North Yorkshire where people of all ages can travel safely, sustainably and enjoyably.
Image credit: iStock
