The government has launched a new cycling and walking investment strategy, which sets a national target for people to walk or cycle for 55 per cent of short trips in towns by 2035 and for 60 per cent of children.

It also aims for children and young people aged 5 to 16 to travel actively to school by the same year.

The government is projected to invest over £4.5 billion in active travel over the next 5 years, and will work with Active Travel England and local authorities to deliver 5,000 new walking, wheeling and cycling routes and 10,000 safer crossings by 2030.

This will also encourage people to walk or bike to public transport hubs, such as train stations, making them more achievable and in line with the way people travel every day.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Too many people would like to walk, wheel or cycle more often but don’t feel they have safe and convenient options to do so.

"Our new cycling and walking investment strategy sets out how we will change that, with ambitious targets, record levels of investment and a clear plan to make active travel a practical choice for millions more journeys."

The strategy marks a new cross-government approach to active travel, bringing together transport, health and investment while giving local leaders a greater role in shaping delivery to meet the needs of their communities.

This forms part of the government’s new Pride in Place programme, empowering communities to take greater control over the renewal of their neighbourhoods, including the introduction of 13 new bathing sites in England.

It also includes plans to develop a coherent transport network designed to make active travel a realistic option for more journeys across England.