People across England will benefit from new hands‑on training, school programmes and community initiatives to help them walk, wheel and cycle with confidence, following the government’s confirmation of more than £100 million in active travel funding.
Announced by Active Travel England, the multi‑year package will give local authorities, national charities and delivery partners the stability they need to expand programmes, retain skilled staff and reach more communities.
The investment forms a key part of the government’s long‑term plan to encourage healthier, greener journeys, reduce congestion and support sustainable travel networks across England.
The bulk of the package, £78 million, will support the flagship Bikeability programme, which has already equipped more than 5 million children with essential cycling skills since its launch in 2007.
Every local authority in England will receive a share, supported by the Bikeability Trust, which will continue providing advice, guidance and high‑quality instructor training.
ATE says the new settlement will ensure consistent delivery and help more schools and parents access the training for free.
Walking charity Living Streets will receive £16.1 million to expand its successful Walk to School Outreach programme. The scheme works with primary schools to:
- Encourage families to make walking part of daily routines
- Reduce school‑run traffic and pollution
- Improve children’s physical activity and wellbeing
Living Streets’ programme has already been delivered in thousands of schools, helping transform local walking habits.
Cycling UK will receive £8 million to continue running the Big Bike Revival, which supports adults, particularly disabled people and women, to gain confidence cycling for short, everyday trips.
Community repair sessions, learn‑to‑ride activities, group rides and skills workshops help break down barriers that prevent people taking up cycling.
Modeshift will receive £3.1 million to run:
- STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition) – a long‑established national awards scheme encouraging schools to promote active and sustainable travel
- Active Travel Ambassadors – a programme empowering secondary school pupils to champion walking, wheeling and cycling among their peers
These initiatives help embed long‑term behaviour change from an early age.
The package also includes £2 million for England’s 10 National Park Authorities to develop accessible active travel networks, stimulate future projects and strengthen advocacy for sustainable transport, as well as up to £1 million for selected ports and airports to develop active travel network plans, including design work, engagement activities and staff training to support cleaner journeys to major employment sites.
Chris Boardman, Active Travel Commissioner, commented:
“This is a practical investment that changes how people move every day. It’s a child gaining the confidence to ride to school, a family choosing to walk, or someone getting back on a bike because it finally feels possible. Those small shifts add up quickly – to healthier lives, lower costs, and less pressure on our roads and NHS.
“We know that when people feel safe and supported, they make different choices – and that’s when you see whole communities start to move differently. This isn’t just about active travel in isolation. It strengthens public transport by improving the first and last mile, it gives families more affordable options, and it makes our streets safer for everyone. It’s one of the most effective investments we can make to improve everyday life and give people real choice in how they get around.”
The government believes the package will help people across England gain the skills, confidence and freedom to choose walking, wheeling and cycling as part of everyday life.
Image credit: iStock
