£64m to encourage cycling and walking to work

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced £64 million of local transport funding to help people walk or cycle safely to work.

The funding will support local projects over three years, with the government aiming to make cycling and walking to work part of everyday life and walking and cycling the natural choice for shorter journeys by 2040.

The money will ensure: more safety and awareness training for cyclists; extra secure cycle storage; bike repair and maintenance courses; road safety measures; mapping information for pedestrians; real time bus information through smart phone apps or information at bus stops; and increased focus on car sharing clubs.

It is hoped that the funding will lead to 95 million fewer miles in car journeys, 99,000 extra walking trips per day and 40,000 extra cycling trips per day.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “We are committed to improving how people travel and this investment will ensure that people’s journeys are cheaper, safer and better for the environment. It will help people to become more active and better transport planning will reduce congestion on our roads – particularly at peak times.

“This investment will also help people access jobs, education and training - specifically targeting those looking to get back into work, as part of our relentless drive to make this is a country that works for everyone.”

Stephen Joseph, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “We strongly welcome this announcement of the access fund projects and the new cycling and walking to work fund. The evidence suggests that these kinds of projects can remove barriers to work, help local communities and businesses and also tackle local transport problems by giving people attractive alternatives to car use. We look forward to working with the government, the authorities involved, and other organisations to develop and learn from these projects.”