Funding announced for school active travel schemes

The government has confirmed £108 million of funding to deliver hands-on training, community programmes and school initiatives to boost active travel.

The funding, announced by by Active Travel England (ATE) will include £78 million for the government’s flagship Bikeability programme, which has provided cycle training to more than 5 million children since 2007. The funding will go to local authorities across England, with the Bikeability Trust providing support, advice and guidance.

£16.1 million will go to Living Streets to deliver its Walk to School Outreach programme, working with primary schools to help more children and families make walking part of their daily routine.

Modeshift will receive £3.1 million to run the STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition) travel planning award scheme and Active Travel Ambassadors programme, which empowers secondary school students to encourage peers to travel actively.

Meanwhile, up to £1 million will also be provided to selected ports and airports across England to develop active travel network plans. Project activities range from network planning and scheme design to public engagement and bespoke training. £8 million has been allocated to Cycling UK to run the Big Bike Revival, which supports adults – particularly disabled people and women – to get back on their bikes. There is also £2 million to support England’s 10 National Park Authorities to continue to develop accessible active travel networks. 

Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said: "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."

Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: "Our investment is about giving people of all ages the opportunity to choose healthier, more affordable and sustainable ways to travel.

"Active travel plays an important role in strengthening pride in place, creating streets and neighbourhoods that people feel safer in, more connected to, and proud to call home.

"The government is investing £626 million over the next 4 years, enabling local authorities to deliver vital walking and cycling schemes – enough for 500 miles of new walking and cycling routes and 170,000 more active trips per day. This funding will also help boost local businesses, grow local economies and ease pressure on the NHS."