New Fund to Revolutionise Walking and Cycling in the UK

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

Exciting news for the York and North Yorkshire region! A new £4 million Active Travel Fund has been launched by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. This initiative opens up a fantastic opportunity for local groups to bid for funding aimed at enhancing infrastructure for walking, cycling, and wheeling in our communities.

The fund was approved during a recent Combined Authority meeting and is part of the Mayor’s broader vision to create a safer, healthier, and more interconnected region. The funding will support a wide variety of initiatives, including secure cycle parking, upgrades to existing facilities, community bike schemes, training programmes, and innovative behaviour change projects such as School Streets.

In conjunction with this fund, the Authority has also announced the appointment of a new Active Travel Commissioner. This individual will play a crucial role in overseeing the Mayor’s active travel ambitions, guiding the development of a comprehensive network of well-lit, well-maintained routes that ensure walking, cycling, and wheeling are safer and more accessible for everyone.

This significant announcement comes just ahead of the Active City York conference, where the Mayor will join National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman to discuss both regional and national strategies aimed at boosting active travel.

Mayor David Skaith expressed his enthusiasm:

“Everyone should be able to enjoy walking, wheeling, and cycling, but we need to work harder to make it the natural choice for more journeys.”

He further stated, “We recently boosted existing projects with £20 million. Now we are recruiting a dedicated Active Travel Commissioner and we’re doubling the funding available for new initiatives.”

“This isn’t just about moving people around. It means affordable, sustainable choices for everyone, safer journeys to school, and a reduction in our environmental impact.”

Mayor Skaith elaborated, “We’re open to ideas that work for all our communities, and this significant £4 million fund can support everything from secure cycle parking to school streets programmes and more.”

He also highlighted the need to promote active travel in rural areas, stating, “Given the rural nature of much of our region, we really want to enable schemes that promote active travel in rural villages and market towns, as well as in urban areas.”

The fund is open to a variety of applicants, including town and parish councils, community groups, charities, businesses, and both North Yorkshire Council and the City of York Council. Applications will be accepted later this year, allowing diverse entities to contribute to the active travel landscape.

National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman also shared his insights:

“Enabling more people to walk, wheel, or cycle to where they need to be – whether that’s in cities, towns, or villages – is one of the best interventions we can make to improve the nation’s health, environment, and economy, all in one.”

Boardman praised the funding initiative, stating, “This is why it’s brilliant that this funding is available to organisations across York and North Yorkshire. The combined authority knows what works best in their neighbourhoods and can help develop schemes that provide communities with travel choices that are safe, accessible, and attractive to all. This will lead to happier, healthier, and greener journeys across the region.”

This new initiative follows the recent approval of £20 million in transport schemes throughout the region and is part of the £27 million Mayoral Challenge Fund, which also supports high street regeneration, green skills, and emissions reduction.

As we move forward, this funding aligns perfectly with the principles of sustainable transport and community well-being. Active travel not only reduces our reliance on fossil fuels but also promotes healthier lifestyles, contributing to the overarching goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

With the world increasingly recognising the urgent need for sustainable practices, local initiatives like this one play a pivotal role in paving the way towards a greener future. By investing in active travel infrastructure, we are not merely improving transportation options but are also enhancing the quality of life for residents across the region.

Local groups and organisations are encouraged to think creatively about how they can utilise this funding to benefit their communities. From innovative cycling programmes to safe pedestrian pathways, the possibilities are endless. The focus on inclusive transport solutions ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or mobility needs, can enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.

The journey towards a sustainable future is a collective effort. As we advocate for active travel, we must also engage communities in discussions about their specific needs and aspirations. This engagement will foster a sense of ownership among residents, encouraging them to embrace active travel as a viable and attractive option for their daily commutes.

In the coming months, as applications for the Active Travel Fund open, we urge all interested parties to come forward with their proposals. This is an opportunity to be part of something larger than ourselves – a chance to contribute to a movement that prioritises health, well-being, and sustainability.

As we await further developments from the Active City York conference, it is evident that the dialogue around active travel is gaining momentum. The partnerships forged between local authorities, community groups, and transport advocates are crucial in shaping a future where everyone can navigate their surroundings safely and sustainably.

We look forward to seeing the innovative projects that emerge from this funding and how they will transform our communities. Together, we can create a region that not only meets the demands of modern transport but also champions the ideals of health and environmental stewardship.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Active Travel Fund and other initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable transport in York and North Yorkshire. As always, we invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on how we can collectively make a difference in our communities.

Let’s embark on this journey towards a greener, healthier future – one step, one cycle, and one wheeled journey at a time!