DfT Announces £300 Million in Active Travel Funding
The Department for Transport (DfT) and Active Travel England (ATE) have announced nearly £300 million in active travel funding for councils in England.
The Transport Minister with responsibility for active travel, Simon Lightwood, says in a joint press release with ATE that the funding represents 300 miles of new footpaths and cycle tracks.
National Active Travel Commissoner Chris Boardman said:
‘Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation’s health, economy and get to net zero, all in one.
Free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic are benefits already being enjoyed as standard by our European neighbours, and it’s time we had the same life-improving choices.
The funding will help make our towns, cities and villages happier, healthier and greener place to live’.
Simon Lightwood said:
‘Walking and cycling is an affordable way to get around and is hugely beneficial for both mental and physical health. We’re making sure local authorities can deliver high-quality and easily accessible schemes for everyone’.
£291 Million
The DfT says that the total funding is £291 million. This breaks down as follows:
- £222.5 million to local authorities for infrastructure, engagement and training
- £30 million for Bikeability training
- £30 million to Sustrans for improvements to the National Cycle Network
- £8.5 million to Cycling UK, Living Streets and Modeshift to deliver schools’ initiatives
Active Travel Fund 5 (2024/25)
The DfT has published Active Travel Fund 5 (ATF5) allocations, for the financial year 2024/25.
The sums listed there amount to a total of £54.2 million.
Consolidated Active Travel Fund (2025/26)
The 2025/26 money is from the Consolidated Active Travel Fund, and the total is £168.5 million.
‘Consolidated’ means that the Active Travel Fund has been consolidated with the Capability Fund, according to Highways Magazine.
The consolidated fund is 76% capital and 24% revenue. The revenue funding will pay for network planning, early scheme design, community engagement, and training.
Adding the 2024/25 and 2025/26 ATF funding together, you get (very nearly) the £222.5 million for local authorities mentioned in the press release.
North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire Council (NYC) is to receive:
- £369,709 for 2024/25 and
- £1.256 million for 2025/26
City of York Council is to receive:
- £120,482 for 2024/25 and
- £409,505 for 2025/26
The 2025/26 money will go to York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority once financial assurance is in place.
Consultation and Engagement Guidelines
A best practice guide to community consultation and engagement has also been published.
It includes a disappointing paragraph about cycle campaigns (in section 4.3.4):
‘For example, a local cycle campaign group may be great providing constructive criticism and expert local knowledge, but will however provide a view skewed by the fact they already cycle’.
ITS Regional Roadshows
Meanwhile Simon Lightwood is in Manchester today as part of a run of 11 regional roadshows, in which he will discuss with councils, businesses and communities the government’s plan for a 10-year Integrated Transport Strategy.
Part of this includes considering how cycling and walking can become the best choice for shorter journeys.